RESUMEN
Aim: To establish an analytical method to study the chemical components in Zhizi-Gancao-Chi(ZGC) decoction, and investigate its anti-depressant effect. Methods: An LC-PDA-MS/MS method was established and applied. The separation was performed on an ODS C_(18) column (250 mm ×4. 6 mm, 5 μm) with a gradient elu-tion. The mobile phase consisted of water/acetic acid( 1 %, v/v) and methanol. The main components were identi-fied according to the UV and MS. The anti-depressant effect was evaluated with mice tail-suspension test and forced swimming test. Results: The components of the ZGC decoction were separated isolated and ten of them were identified. These compounds are classified to iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and triterpene saponins. In addi-tion, its anti-depressant effect was observed for the first time. Conclusion: The LC-PDA-MS/MS method can ef-fectively separate and identify the components of ZGC decoction, which has significant anti-depressant effect. The relationship between the chemical component and its anti-depressant effect needs further study.