Total Flavonoids Extracted from Xiaobuxin-Tang on the Hyperactivity of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Chronically Stressed Rats
2011

Effects of Xiaobuxin-Tang on Stress Hormones in Rats

Sample size: 32 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): An Lei, Zhang You-Zhi, Liu Xin-Min, Yu Neng-Jiang, Chen Hong-Xia, Zhao Nan, Yuan Li, Li Yun-Feng

Primary Institution: Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Hypothesis

Does the total flavonoids extracted from Xiaobuxin-Tang affect the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in chronically stressed rats?

Conclusion

The total flavonoids from Xiaobuxin-Tang significantly reduced stress hormone levels and increased glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats.

Supporting Evidence

  • Chronic XBXT-2 treatment decreased serum corticosterone levels by 56.89%.
  • Chronic XBXT-2 treatment reduced ACTH levels by 53.38%.
  • Chronic stress increased serum corticosterone and ACTH levels significantly.
  • Chronic XBXT-2 treatment increased glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus.

Takeaway

This study found that a herbal remedy helped calm stress hormones in rats, which might help with depression.

Methodology

Rats were subjected to chronic mild stress and treated with total flavonoids from Xiaobuxin-Tang, followed by measurement of stress hormones and glucocorticoid receptor expression.

Limitations

The study was conducted only on rats, which may limit the applicability of the results to humans.

Participant Demographics

Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180–220 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/ecam/nep218

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication