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Published on: January 7, 2019
Suanzao Ren Decoction Alleviates Anxiety-Like Behavior and Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Unpredictable Stress Rats
Tianyan Luo1, Guifang Xiang1, Qing Liu2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Hejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
Brain and Behavior
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Suanzao Ren Decoction effectively reduced anxiety in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rats by improving cognitive function and inhibiting oxidative stress and autophagy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induces anxiety and cognitive deficits in rodent models.
- Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress-induced anxiety is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of Suanzao Ren Decoction (SRD) on anxiety symptoms in a rat model of CUS.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including effects on cognitive function, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial autophagy in the hippocampus.
Main Methods:
- Anxiety and cognitive behavior were assessed using the open field test, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze.
- Hippocampal histopathology was analyzed using HE staining.
- Protein levels of 5-HT2CR, Parkin, and PINK1 were quantified via Western blotting.
- Mitochondrial autophagy was examined using transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- SRD treatment significantly alleviated anxiety-like behaviors and improved cognitive performance in CUS rats.
- SRD normalized hippocampal pathology, reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA), and increased antioxidant levels (SOD, CAT, GSH).
- SRD decreased hippocampal 5-HT2CR, Parkin, and PINK1 protein expression and reduced autophagic lysosome accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Suanzao Ren Decoction demonstrates anxiolytic effects in a CUS rat model.
- The therapeutic mechanisms involve ameliorating cognitive dysfunction, mitigating oxidative stress, and inhibiting hippocampal mitochondrial autophagy.
