Pharmacological experimental study of the anti-depressant effect of total saikosaponins.

Y Liu,H Ding,C Cao

doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v11i2.9

Abstract

Chai Hu has the hepato-protective, choleretic, anti-tussive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, and anti-tumor pharmacological effects. In this study, the objective of this paper was to study the anti-depressant effect of total saikosaponins. Total saikosaponins were extracted by reflux method, and were identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The anti-depressant effect of total saikosaponins was investigated in vitro by tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and reserpine antagonism test in mice. Two times of reflux extraction, temperature of 70°C, and extraction time of 4hrs, for each extraction could improve the yield of saikosaponins. Each treatment group (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg), could significantly shorten the immobility time of mice in the tail suspension test in a somewhat dose-dependent manner. The total saikosaponins antagonized the reserpine-induced akinesia, and ptosis in mice. Total saikosaponins have an anti-depressant effect.

Highlights

Chai Hu, which was formerly known as Zi Hu, was originally recorded in the "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic" as a medium-grade drug
It was renamed in the Song Dynasty to Chai Hu in the "Maps of Materia Medica"
Chai Hu comes from Bupleurum chinensis DC. or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium, of family Umbelliferae; the former is named "Bei Chai Hu", and the latter named "Nan Chai Hu" according to the medication habits

Summary

Introduction

Chai Hu, which was formerly known as Zi Hu, was originally recorded in the "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic" as a medium-grade drug. It was renamed in the Song Dynasty to Chai Hu in the "Maps of Materia Medica". Total saikosaponins were extracted and separated from Chai Hu and identified, and the anti-depressant effect and mechanism of saikosaponins investigated. The anti-depressant effect of total saikosaponins was investigated in vitro by tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and reserpine antagonism test in mice.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion