Study on compatibility of Xiaoyao Powder in improving depressive behaviors of rats based on analysis strategy of composition drug groups and rough set theory / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the effects of Xiaoyao Powder (XYP) and its composition drug groups (Shugan group and Jianpi group) on the behavior medicinal effects of depressed rats. In addition, the rough set theory and the model of decision rules were used to analyze the interaction between composition drug groups and their effects on the anti-depression of XYP. This study will provide the research method and theoretical basis for the scientific explanation of the compatibility rule of anti-depression of XYP. Methods: The depression rats model was constructed by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). The effects of XYP and its composition drug groups on CUMS rats were investigated in open field test, sucrose preference rate and forced swimming. Afterwards, Rosetta software was used to construct the decision rules model of rough set. The interactions among XYP, Shugan, and Jianpi groups were analyzed according to the decision rules. Results: XYP and its composition drug groups significantly improved the depressive behaviors of CUMS rats. Compared with the model group, XYP and its composition drug groups significantly increased the number of crossings and rearing of the rats in the open field test (P Jianpi group > Shugan group. The order of improving the behaviors in the open field test was Shugan group > Jianpi group > XYP. The order of decreasing the time of forced swimming index was XYP = Shugan group > Jianpi group. The results of decision rules showed that, Shugan and Jianpi groups exhibited certain antidepressant effects when used alone, but they were weaker than that of XYP. Of note, Shugan and Jianpi groups exhibited synergetic effect in a dose-dependent manner The higher the dose was, the greater the antidepressant effect was. In order to further verify the mutual relationship between Shugan and Jianpi groups on the anti-depression efficacy, according to the decision table of XYP and its individual herbs, attribute reduction of eight herbs in XYP was conducted, obtaining the representative drugs of Shugan and Jianpi groups Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba. The results of decision rules were consistent with that of composition drug groups. Conclusions XYP and its composition drug groups can not only improve the core symptoms of depression, including index in open field test, sucrose preference rate and forced swimming index, showing remarkable antidepressant effects. The effects of XYP on these indexes were stronger than that of its composition drug groups, indicating that the composition of the XYP prescription is well-suited and scientifically reasonable. The decision rules based on rough set theory could be used as an approach to scientifically interpret the compatibility laws of TCM prescriptions.