A randomized double-blinded and controlled study was conducted in 63 cases of depression, for observing the effect of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Powder on neuro-immuno-endocrine system in patients with depression. They were assigned to Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Powder group (herbs group) 32 cases; and control group (treated by maprotiline) 31 cases. The curative effect was evaluated with Hamilton’s depressive scale (HAMD) before and at the end of the 2nd, 4th and 6th week of the treatment. Serum levels of 5- HT, NE, brain derived neuroptrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol (CORT), interleuukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin -1 β (IL-1 β) were detected before and at the 6th week of the treatment.
Results: After 2 weeks of treatment, the total score of HAMD decreased remarkably in both group, and the total score, as well as the score of the three factors, anxiety/somatization, cognitive impairment and feeling of despair, were lower in the herb group than that in the control group repectively. After 4 and 4 weeks of treatment the total score and score of the three factors all reduced significantly in both groups, with insignificant difference between the droups. After 6 weeks of the treatment, the serum level of 5-HT and BDNF increased, and the serum IL-6 level decreased in both groups, the serum CORT level reduced in the Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Powder group, while the serum NE level elevated in the control group.
Conclusion: Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Powder is effective in improving symptoms of depression by regulating the levels of 5-HT, BDNF, CORT and IL-6.
Key Words: Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Powder, neuro-immuno-endocrine system, depression
Writer: Hechun Luo, Ruiqin QianDepartment of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing (100083)
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