Objective:To observe the relationship between different component compatibilities of Suanzaoren decoction(SZRD) and their effects of anti-anxiety

so as to discuss the material basis of the effect. Methods: 6 components of Suanzaoren decoction were formulated according to orthogonal meter and got SZRDⅠ~SZRDⅧ

adopting the international common-used anxiety animal model with the elevated plus-maze test(EPM)

the effect of component compatibilities on behavior of mouse was observed. And the effects of all different components on percentage of open arm entries (OE%) and of times spent in the open arms (OT%) were analyzed. Results: OE% and OT% of SZRDⅠ and SZRDⅥ mice were both higher than that of control group(P<0.05)

OE% of SZRDⅢ and SZRDV groups were higher than that of control group(P<0.05)

but there was no significant difference between every group and control group about total number entries (OE+CE) (P>0.05). There was no significant difference about the index between SZRDⅥ and SZRDⅠ group. Components C only effected OE% significantly(negative

P<0.05)

components E only effected OT% significantly(positive

P<0.05)

others had no significant effect. Conclusions: SZRDⅥ had close relationship with anti-anxiety effect besides the recipe SZRDⅠ including all components

both of them have the effect of anti-anxiety. Different component compatibilities of Suanzaoren decoction are of certain pertinence to their anti-anxiety function

in which synergism and antagonism were affirmed. Components B and E had synergism in the respect of anti-anxiety. Polysaccharide and flavonoids of Suanzaoren decoction are probably the material basis of anti-anxiety.