J Appl Biomed 13:33-38, 2015 | DOI: 10.1016/j.jab.2014.06.001

Antianxiety effect of Tong Luo Jiu Nao, traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, in rats

Vera Klenerova^a,*, Sixtus Hynie^a, XiaoJing Li^b, Qian Hua^b,*

^a Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic

^b School of Preclinical Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China

Tong Luo Jiu Nao (TLJN), a modern formula of traditional Chinese medicine, has proven to be clinically efficacious in several vascular cerebral diseases but its specific effect is not known. In the present study we investigated the acute and persisting effects of TLJN on anxiety model in Wistar male rats. TLJN was administered intragastrically during three successive days (Days 1-3) and then, the double TLJN dose was given on Day 7. For the evaluation of anxiety-related behavior of animals, we used the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) paradigms. Testing in the OF was performed on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 14 and 22; in the EPM on the Day 23.
Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between control and TLJN treated animals in the open field model where TLJN induced increased exploratory activity, indicating reduced anxiety-like behavior. The effect persisted for several days after the treatment and was still present on Days 14 and 22. Reduced anxiety-like behavior was also observed on EPM 16 days after the last TLJN administration.
The results demonstrate behavioral effects of intragastric administered TLJN, which indicate reduced anxiety. Persistence of the induced behavioral changes suggests prolonged duration of action.

Keywords: Tong Luo Jiu Nao; Traditional Chinese medicinal preparation; Anxiety; Behavior; Open field test; Elevated plus maze; Rat

Received: April 16, 2014; Revised: June 25, 2014; Accepted: June 26, 2014; Published: February 1, 2015  Show citation