Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Yuxingchangzhi Decoction on level of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxyptamin (5-HT) in serum of patients with post-stroke depression. Methods76 patients with post-stroke depression were treated with Yuxingchangzhi Decoction or placebo for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, all the patients were evaluated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD),while the level of NE and 5-HT in serum of patients were measured.ResultsThe total score of HAMD of the patients of Yuxingchangzhi Decoction group was significantly different before and after treatment (P<0.01),while that of the placebo group was not significantly different (P>0.05). The NE and 5-HT level in serum of patients of the Yuxingchangzhi Decoction group were significantly different before and after treatment (P<0.01),but that of the placebo group was not significantly different (P>0.05). ConclusionYuxingchangzhi decoction can raise NE,5-HT level in patients with post-stroke depression and alleviate symptoms of depression significantly.

Key words: post-stroke depression, Yuxingchangzhi Decoction, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxyptamin