Studies on qingyangshen (root of cynanchum otophyllum) . II. Effect of qingyangshen on metabolism of central monoamines
Kuang, P.G.; Lang, S.Y.; Zhang, F.Y.; Yang, Z.L.
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 5(3): 191-194
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0255-2922 PMID: 2418315 Document Number: 260778
Qingyangshen (QYS) did not change the central monoamines content at 24 hours, but by 48 hours the 5-HT content of both cerebral hemispheres and brain stem and 5-HIAA content of brain stem were significantly increased as compared to control animals. In contrast, NE and DA did not significantly change over the interval studied in QYS mice. The influence of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and phenobarbital (PB) on the metabolism of central monoamines was also studied, since these drugs are reputed to be particularly effective in the treatment of epilepsy. The same effects were also seen after DPH or PB administration. The results suggest that 5-HT synthesis is increased and the effects of QYS, DPH and PB on 5-HT metabolism may be considered in relation to their known anticonvulsant properties.