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Guo Z, Long T, Yao J, Li Y, Xiao L, Chen M. Potential antidepressant effects of Traditional Chinese botanical drug formula Chaihu-Shugan-San and its active ingredients. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337876. [PMID: 38628641 PMCID: PMC11019007 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression is a severe mental disorder that poses a significant threat to both the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. Currently, there are various methods for treating depression, including traditional Chinese herbal formulations like Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), which have shown effective antidepressant effects in both clinical and animal research. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence related to CSS, considering both preclinical and clinical studies, to uncover its potential multi-level, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms for treating depression and identify its active ingredients. Methods: A thorough search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang, using keywords such as "Chaihu Shugan" and "depression" to retrieve relevant literature on CSS and its active ingredients. The review process adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: This review consolidates the mechanisms underlying antidepressant effects of CSS and its active ingredients. It emphasizes its involvement in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, among other aspects. Conclusion: CSS exerts a pivotal role in treating depression through various pathways, including the monoaminergic neurotransmitter system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, synaptic plasticity, inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and the brain-gut axis. This review facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the current state of CSS research, fostering an in-depth exploration of the etiological mechanisms of depression and the potential discovery of novel antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Guo
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tianjian Long
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianping Yao
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Min Chen
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
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Fan Q, Liu Y, Sheng L, Lv S, Yang L, Zhang Z, Guo J, Fan Y, Hu D. Chaihu-Shugan-San inhibits neuroinflammation in the treatment of post-stroke depression through the JAK/STAT3-GSK3β/PTEN/Akt pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114385. [PMID: 36774722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke, affecting cognitive function, recovery of somatic function, and patient survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Chaihu-Shugan-San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula used clinically to treat depression, could improve symptoms in a rat model for PSD, to investigate the potential mechanisms, and to validate the findings in an in vitro oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Male rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The rats were then allocated to experimental groups (n = 15) that were treated with Chaihu-Shugan-San, a JAK-STAT3 inhibitor, a GSK3β overexpressing virus, or an empty virus (control). The subjects allocated to each group, as well as those that received no treatment and rats that did not undergo MCAO/CUMS, were then subjected to forced swimming, tail suspension, and sugar water preference tests, and their neurological deficit score was determined. Inflammatory factor levels and the expression of proteins related to the JAK/STAT3-GSK3β/PTEN/Akt pathway were measured, and the synaptic ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry showed microglia polarization towards the M1 phenotype in an in vitro PSD model, which was reversed after treatment with a GSK3β overexpression virus, Chaihu-Shugan-San, or a JAK-STAT3 inhibitor. The results showed that Chaihu-Shugan-San has a therapeutic effect on an in vivo model for PSD and can regulate microglia polarization through the activation of the JAK/STAT3-GSK3β/PTEN/Akt pathway, suggesting that it exerts its effect via the inhibition of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Yuanyue Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Shuang Lv
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Zhaoming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Jiaping Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Yafei Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu 210017, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
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Li W, Zhou R, Zheng J, Sun B, Jin X, Hong M, Chen R. Chaihu-Shugan-San ameliorates tumor growth in prostate cancer promoted by depression via modulating sphingolipid and glycerinphospholipid metabolism. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1011450. [PMID: 36545317 PMCID: PMC9760688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1011450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychologic depression is a pivotal pathological characteristic and has been shown to promote prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), a well-known Chinese herbal decoction, exhibits efficacy in the treatment of stress-accelerated PCa. However, the underlying mechanism of CSS in resisting PCa growth is still unknown, and further study is needed. Objective: To evaluate the effects of CSS on stress-accelerated PCa in a BALB/C nude mice model and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: PC-3 cells were implanted into BALB/C nude mice, and the stressed mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to study the effects of CSS. The PCa growth were evaluated by tumor volume and tumor weight. Analyses of depression-like behaviors were evaluated by sucrose consumption test, tail suspension test and open field test. Network pharmacology was used to analyze the potential targets and signaling pathways of CSS against PCa. Untargeted lipidomics were used to analyze the serum lipid profiles and further elucidate the possible mechanism. Results: In the CUMS stressed PCa mice, CSS can restrain tumor growth with reduced tumor volume and tumor weight, and depression-like behaviors with increased sucrose consumption, reduced immobility duration, and increased total distance and center distance. Network pharmacology suggested that the lipid metabolism-related pathways are the most likely potential targets of CSS against PCa. Using untargeted lipidomics analysis, 62 lipids were found to have significant changes in PCa mice under CUMS treatment. The levels of glycerophospholipids containing phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), except PC (18:0_22:6) and PC (18:0_20:4), were significantly increased. Likewise, the levels of all sphingolipids (including sphingomyelin (SM), ceramides (Cer) and hexosyl-1-ceramide (Hex1Cer)) and diglyceride (DG) (32:1e) were significantly increased. CSS water extract was found to contribute to restore 32 lipids including 6 sphingolipids, 25 glycerophospholipids and 1 glyceride. Conclusion: This study is the first to delineate the lipid profile of stressed PCa BALB/C nude mice using untargeted lipidomics analysis. CSS restrained tumor growth and ameliorated depression-like behaviors by reprogramming lipid metabolism. Intervention of lipid metabolism could be a preventive and therapeutic approach for PCa patients with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China,Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Runze Zhou
- Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China,School of Medicine and Holistic Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Institute of TCM-Related Comorbid Depression, School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Hong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruini Chen
- School of Medicine and Holistic Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Ruini Chen,
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Zhu X, Li T, Hu E, Duan L, Zhang C, Wang Y, Tang T, Yang Z, Fan R. Proteomics Study Reveals the Anti-Depressive Mechanisms and the Compatibility Advantage of Chaihu-Shugan-San in a Rat Model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:791097. [PMID: 35111057 PMCID: PMC8802092 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.791097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chaihu-Shugan-San is a classical prescription to treat depression. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle, the 2 decomposed recipes in Chaihu-Shugan-San exert synergistic effects, including Shu Gan (stagnated Gan-Qi dispersion) and Rou Gan (Gan nourishment to alleviate pain). However, the specific mechanism of Chaihu-Shugan-San on depression and its compatibility rule remain to be explored. Objective: We aimed to explore the anti-depression mechanisms and analyze the advantage of TCM compatibility of Chaihu-Shugan-San. Methods: The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model was established. Antidepressant effects were evaluated by sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swimming test (FST). Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics of the hippocampus was used to obtain differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Bioinformatics analysis including Gene Ontology (GO), pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks was utilized to study the DEPs connections. At last, the achieved key targets were verified by western blotting. Results: Chaihu-Shugan-San increased weight gain and food intake, as well as exhibited better therapeutic effects including enhanced sucrose preference and extended immobility time when compared with its decomposed recipes. Proteomics showed Chaihu-Shugan-San, Shu Gan, and Rou Gan regulated 110, 12, and 407 DEPs, respectively. Compared with Shu Gan or Rou Gan alone, the expression of 22 proteins was additionally changed by Chaihu-Shugan-San treatment, whereas the expression of 323 proteins whose expression was changed by Shu Gan or Rou Gan alone were not changed by Chaihu-Shugan-San treatment. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that Chaihu-Shugan-San affected neurotransmitter’s release and transmission cycle (e.g., γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine). GABA release pathway is also targeted by the 22 DEPs. Unexpectedly, only 2 pathways were enriched by the 323 DEPs: Metabolism and Cellular responses to external stimuli. Lastly, the expression of Gad2, Vamp2, and Pde2a was verified by western blotting. Conclusions: Chaihu-Shugan-San treats depression via multiple targets and pathways, which may include regulations of 110 DEPs and some neurotransmitter’s transmission cycle. Compared with Shu Gan and Rou Gan, the 22 Chaihu-Shugan-San advanced proteins and the affected GABA pathway may be the advantages of Chaihu-Shugan-San compatibility. This research offers data and theory support for the clinical application of Chaihu-Shugan-San.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - En Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Duan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunhu Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyu Yang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central, South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Han SK, Kim JK, Park HS, Shin YJ, Kim DH. Chaihu-Shugan-San (Shihosogansan) alleviates restraint stress-generated anxiety and depression in mice by regulating NF-κB-mediated BDNF expression through the modulation of gut microbiota. Chin Med 2021; 16:77. [PMID: 34391441 PMCID: PMC8364688 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS, named Shihosogansan in Korean), a Chinese traditional medicine, is frequently used to treat anxiety and depression. Psychiatric disorders including depression are associated with gut dysbiosis. Therefore, to comprehend gut microbiota-involved anti-depressive effect of CSS, we examined its effect on restraint stress (RS)-induced depression and gut dysbiosis in mice METHODS: CSS was extracted with water in boiling water bath and freeze-dried. Anxiety and depression was induced in C57BL/6 mice by exposure to RS. Anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were measured in the light/dark transition and elevated plus maze tasks, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test. Biomarkers were assayed by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. The gut microbiota composition was analyzed by Illumina iSeq sequencer. RESULTS CSS significantly reduced the RS-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. CSS suppressed the RS-induced activation of NF-κB and expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and increased the RS-suppressed expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Furthermore, CSS suppressed the RS-induced IL-6 and corticosterone level in the blood and IL-6 expression and myeloperoxidase activity in the colon. CSS decreased the RS-induced γ-Proteobacteria population in gut microbiota, while the RS-suppressed Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae, and AC160630_f populations increased. Fecal transplantation of vehicle-treated control or RS/CSS-treated mice into RS-exposed mice significantly mitigated RS-induced anxity- and depression-like behaviors, suppressed the NF-κB activation in the hippocampus and colon, and reduced the IL-6 and corticosterone levels in the blood. These fecal microbiota transplantations suppressed RS-induced Desulfovibrionaceae and γ-Proteobacteria populations and increased RS-suppressed Lactobacillaceae and Prevotellaceae poulation in the gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS CSS alleviated anxiety and depression by inducing NF-κB-involved BDNF expression through the regulation of gut inflammation and microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Kap Han
- Neurobiota Research Center and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Jeon-Kyung Kim
- Neurobiota Research Center and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Hee-Seo Park
- Neurobiota Research Center and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Yeun-Jeong Shin
- Neurobiota Research Center and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Neurobiota Research Center and Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
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Abstract
Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in East Asia. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemakers in the GI tract. In the present study, we examined the action of CSS on pacemaker potentials in cultured ICCs from the mouse small intestine in vitro and on GI motility in vivo. We used the electrophysiological methods to measure the pacemaker potentials in ICCs. GI motility was investigated by measuring intestinal transit rates (ITR). CSS inhibited the pacemaker potentials in a dose-dependent manner. The capsazepine did not block the effect of CSS. However, the effects of CSS were blocked by glibenclamide. In addition, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) also blocked the CSS-induced effects. Pretreatment with SQ-22536 or with KT-5720 did not suppress the effects of CSS; however, pretreatment with ODQ or KT-5823 did. Furthermore, CSS significantly suppressed murine ITR enhancement by neostigmine in vivo. These results suggest that CSS exerts inhibitory effects on the pacemaker potentials of ICCs via nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP and ATP-sensitive K+ channel dependent and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel independent pathways. Accordingly, CSS could provide the basis for the development of new treatments for GI motility dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwoo Hwang
- Department of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University
| | - Jeong Nam Kim
- Division of Longevity and Biofunctional Medicine, Pusan National University School of Korean Medicine
| | - Jong Rok Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Daegu Haany University
| | - Sang Chan Kim
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University
| | - Byung Joo Kim
- Division of Longevity and Biofunctional Medicine, Pusan National University School of Korean Medicine
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Liu Q, Sun NN, Wu ZZ, Fan DH, Cao MQ. Chaihu-Shugan-San exerts an antidepressive effect by downregulating miR-124 and releasing inhibition of the MAPK14 and Gria3 signaling pathways. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:837-845. [PMID: 29863014 PMCID: PMC5998613 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of miR-124 has been reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Chaihu-Shugan-San, a traditional Chinese medicine, has antidepressive activity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, to generate a rodent model of depression, rats were subjected to a combination of solitary confinement and chronic unpredictable mild stress for 28 days. Rats were intragastrically administered Chaihu-Shugan-San (2.835 mL/kg/d) for 4 weeks, once a day. Real-time reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, miRNA microarray, western blot assay and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that Chaihu-Shugan-San downregulated miR-124 expression and upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) and glutamate receptor subunit 3 (Gria3). Chaihu-Shugan-San also promoted synapse formation in the hippocampus. The open field test, sucrose consumption test and forced swimming test were used to assess depression-like behavior. After intragastric administration of Chaihu-Shugan-San, sucrose consumption increased, while the depressive behaviors were substantially reduced. Together, these findings suggest that Chaihu-Shugan-San exerts an antidepressant-like effect by downregulating miR-124 expression and by releasing the inhibition of the MAPK14 and Gria3 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ning-Ning Sun
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zheng-Zhi Wu
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Da-Hua Fan
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen; Chinese and Wsetern Integrative Medicine, Shcool of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mei-Qun Cao
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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Yang P, Li L, Liu XJ, Cai X, Sun MZ, He JF, Zeng G, Huang HY. Effect of Chaihu-Shugan-San on the mRNA expression of the 5-HT1A receptor and cellular proliferation in the hippocampus of epileptic rats with depression. Exp Ther Med 2015; 11:124-130. [PMID: 26889228 PMCID: PMC4726879 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS) is a herbal preparation that has been shown to effectively relieve neurologic impairment and reduce depression. However, the efficacy of CHSGS in the treatment of patients with epilepsy with depression is unknown. Therefore, in the present study, adult rats were exposed to chronic mild stress following the establishment of chronic pilocarpine-induced epilepsy. Subsequently, a sucrose consumption test and open-field test (OFT) were performed to assess depression-like behavior. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, model, fluoxetine (1.8 g/kg) and CHSGS (2.7 g/kg) groups. The control and model groups received normal saline. The mRNA expression levels of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor and the number of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Treatment administration was conducted by once daily intragastric perfusion for 28 days. The mRNA expression levels of the 5-HT1A receptor, the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, the consumption of sucrose, and frequency of vertical and horizontal movement scores in the OFT were enhanced in the fluoxetine and CHSGS groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was detected between the fluoxetine and CHSGS groups. These data suggest that CHSGS is able to increase the expression of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA and cellular proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in epileptic rats with depression, and thus effectively improve certain symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Psychiatrics, Hunan Brain Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Liang Li
- Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China; Department of Anatomy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Jun Liu
- Department of Psychiatrics, Hunan Brain Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
| | - Xiong Cai
- Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China
| | - Mei-Zhen Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Feng He
- Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China
| | - Guang Zeng
- Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Yong Huang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Diagnostics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China
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Qiu J, Hu SY, Shi GQ, Wang SE. Changes in regional cerebral blood flow with Chaihu-Shugan-San in the treatment of major depression. Pharmacogn Mag 2014; 10:503-8. [PMID: 25422553 PMCID: PMC4239730 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.141775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS) is a well-known Chinese traditional prescription used for depression. Objective: To observe the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes in patients with major depression and to investigate rCBF and clinical response to CHSGS. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 unmedicated patients with major depression and 12 healthy comparison subjects underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. A total of 33 unmedicated patients with major depression all met the diagnostic criteria of stagnation of liver qi of traditional Chinese medicine and were divided into two groups: CHSGS group (n = 20) and fluoxetine group (n = 13). SPECT imaging was restudied in posttreatment. Results: SPECT detected abnormalities in all (100.0%) patients both in CHSGS group and fluoxetine group. All healthy subjects were normal results. The depressed patients showed rCBF decreased in the multiple regions. The semiquantitative values of bilateral frontal and left temporal lobes both in CHSGS group and fluoxetine group were lower than that in healthy group (P < 0.05). Reexamined SPECT after 8 weeks treatment with CHSGS showed the consistency between the increase in perfusion defects and the improvement of clinical cerebral symptoms. The semiquantitative values increased in posttreatment, when compared with pretreatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: SPECT represents a sensitive tool to detect the major depressive disorder, which show the rCBF decreased. rCBF perfusion defects can be reversed and clinical symptoms can be improved by CHSGS treatment. CHSGS treatment is effective, well-tolerated, and safe for depression. By semiquantitative analysis, SPECT can objectively detect rCBF changes that is useful for guiding treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Qiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, NO.138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China ; Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Sui-Yu Hu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Guang-Qing Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, NO.138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Su-E Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
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Li YH, Zhang CH, Qiu J, Wang SE, Hu SY, Huang X, Xie Y, Wang Y, Cheng TL. Antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu-Shugan-San via SAPK/JNK signal transduction in rat models of depression. Pharmacogn Mag 2014; 10:271-7. [PMID: 25210314 PMCID: PMC4159920 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.137367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS), a traditional Chinese medicinal herbal formula, registered in Jingyue Quanshu, has been indicated that oral administration of the extract from it can remit depressive disorder. C-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) signal transduction plays a key role in the apoptosis of nerve cells, be reported closely correlated with depression. This study was designed to investigate CHSGS antidepressant-like effects in rat models of depression and probe its possible mechanism. Materials and Methods: The classical experimental depression model chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMUS) was used to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CHSGS. The extracts were administered orally for 14 days, while the parallel positive control was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride. The expressions of JNK in the hippocampus were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR and Western blot assay. Results: Intragastric administration of CHSGS for 14 days caused a significant improvement of weight and locomotor activity in the open-field test. In addition, CHSGS treatment inhibited the expressions of JNK in the hippocampus tissue in CMUS rats. Conclusion: CHSGS could obviously improve the depressive state of the model rats and its mechanism may be correlated with regulating the expressions of JNK in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hui Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Chun-Hu Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Juan Qiu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Su-E Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Sui-Yu Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Xi Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Ying Xie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
| | - Tian-Li Cheng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gan Organ of SATCM, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, 410008 Changsha, PR China
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Qiu J, Hu SY, Zhang CH, Shi GQ, Wang SE, Xiang T. The effect of Chaihu-Shugan-San and its components on the expression of ERK5 in the hippocampus of depressed rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 152:320-326. [PMID: 24486208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS) is a well-known, Chinese traditional medicine used to treat depression. Little is known about the antidepressant mechanism of CSS. The main aims of the this study were to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CSS and its components and further explore the CSS׳s effect upon signal transduction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) expressions in the hippocampus of rats with depression induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: Normal; Model; CSS; Component I; Component II; and Fluoxetine. Antidepressant-like effects of CSS and two of its constituents, Components I and II in aqueous extract, were assessed using rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) by measuring weight change, observing the open-field test and measuring sucrose water consumption. Antidepressant mechanism were examined by measuring the effect of CSS, and two of its constituents, on extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) expression, phosphorylation-ERK5 (p-ERK5), and ERK5 mRNA in the hippocampus by using western blotting and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Three preparations were prepared: (1) an aqueous extract of CSS (5.9 g/kg·d); (2) Component I (3.3 g/kg·d); and (3) Component II (2.6 g/kg·d). During the 28-day CUMS, the three preparations were intragastrically administered all three preparations. Simultaneously a parallel positive fluoxetine control group was given fluoxetine hydrochloride (1.8mg/kg·d). Normal and Model groups were intragastrically administered with a isovolumic distilled water (4.5 ml/kg·d). RESULTS Depressed rats had decreased weight gain; decreased locomotor activity as measured by the open field test; and reduced sucrose consumption. The rats׳ hippocampus ERK5 activation was significantly suppressed. CSS reduced the incidence of depressive-like behaviors and increased ERK5 activation in depressed rats at the same rate as fluoxetine. Component I, and II, each had only a partial effect on the depression indicators measured. CONCLUSIONS CSS aqueous extract has antidepressant-like effects on CUMS-induced depression model rats. The antidepressant effect of CSS is greater than that of either the two separate components measured. CSS׳s antidepressant mechanism may be mediated by reversing the stress-induced disruption of ERK5 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Qiu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Sui-Yu Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Chun-Hu Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Guang-Qing Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Su-e Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Tian Xiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Wang S, Hu S, Zhang C, Qiu J, Li Y. Antidepressant-like activity of Chaihu-Shugan-San aqueous extract in rats and its possible mechanism. Pharmacogn Mag 2014; 10:S50-6. [PMID: 24914308 PMCID: PMC4047574 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.127342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is commonly used for the treatment of depression in China. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its antidepressant action is unknown. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of CHSGS and further explore the possible molecular mechanism implicated in its actions. MATERIALS AND METHODS THE RATS WERE RANDOMLY DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS: The normal control group, the model control group, the CHSGS group and the fluoxetine control group. The antidepressant-like effects of CHSGS aqueous extract were assessed in rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) using the open-field test and sucrose water consumption test, its underlying mechanism of anti-depression was explored by determining the effect of CHSGS on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phospho-ERK (P-ERK) in the hippocampus using western blot. The aqueous extract of CHSGS at a dose of standard (5.9 g/kg·d) was administered intragastrically for 14 days during the CMS model while the fluoxetine control group was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride (1.8 mg/kg·d). RESULTS The stressed rats demonstrated decreased locomotor activity in open field test and reduction in sucrose consumption and decreased levels of P-ERK1/2 and the ratio of P-ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 in the hippocampus. CHSGS alleviated the depressive-like behaviors and increased levels of P-ERK1/2 and the ratio of P-ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 in stressed rats as well as fluoxetine. CONCLUSION In summary, these results suggest that CHSGS aqueous extract possesses an antidepressant-like activity in CMS induced depression model rats, which might be mediated, at least in part, by reversing the stress-induced disruption of ERK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Key Unit of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suiyu Hu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Key Unit of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chunhu Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Key Unit of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Qiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya 3 Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunhui Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Key Unit of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Xie W, Qiu X, Huang X, Xie Y, Wu K, Wang Y, Ji H, He J, Ren P. Comparison between the pharmacokinetics of meranzin hydrate in a rat model of chronic depression and in controls following the oral administration of Chaihu-Shugan-San. Exp Ther Med 2013; 6:913-918. [PMID: 24137289 PMCID: PMC3797319 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that meranzin hydrate (MH) may be beneficial in depressive disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of MH in depression have not previously been investigated. Chronic mild stress (CMS) in rats is used as a model of depression. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the pharmacokinetics of MH in CMS and control rats following the oral administration of Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS). Rats were randomly divided into CMS and control groups and blood samples were obtained following the oral administration of CSS. The quantification of MH levels in the plasma for pharmacokinetic study was achieved using a simple and rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) method. Following the oral administration of CSS to CMS rats and controls, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of MH was 58.66±6.64 and 57.54±12.67 ng/ml at 108.00±26.83 and 54.00±8.22 min, respectively. Compared with the value of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)0-1440 in control rats (19,896.76±1,041.95 μg·min/l), the AUC0-1440 value was reduced in CMS rats (18,401.32±4332.65 μg·min/l). There were no significant differences in the majority of the pharmacokinetic parameters of MH, including the values for Cmax, AUC0-1440, clearance rate (CL/F) and mean residence time (MRT0-1440), between the CMS rats and the controls. However, the pharmacokinetic parameters showed that CMS accelerated the absorption of MH in rats following the oral administration of CSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Xie
- Department of Integrative Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
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