Anti-depression effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San, a fixed combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on depression model in mice and rats

Anti-depression effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS, 1.8–7.2 g/kg, orally), a famous Chinese compound prescription with a fixed combination, on forced swimming test (FST) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model were investigated. DSS (7.2 g/kg, orally, 7 days) shortened immobility time in FST model and DSS (3.6 or 7.2 g/kg, orally, 21 days) increased the open-field activities and the percentage of sugar preference in CUMS model. DSS (7.2 g/kg, orally, 21 days) also decreased the content of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the pituitary and the expression of AVP mRNA in hypothalamus compared with the stress control group. These results demonstrated for the first time DSS has anti-depression effect and it may be influencing the central AVP system.