Objective: To observe the effect of Ziyin Anshen prescription (ZYASP) on the experimental menopause model rats and normal mice

and provide experimental basis for the clinical application of ZYASP. Method: The menopause rats models were established by ovary removal method

and were then randomly divided into the menopause model group

the ZYASP high

middle

low-dose (10

5

2.5 g·kg-1) groups

the estradiol valerate 0.09 mg·kg-1 group

and the Gengnian'an tablet (GNAT) 0.48 g·kg-1 group; another sham operation group was also set; with 12 rats in each group. After intragastric administration for 30 days

plasma follicle stimulation hormone (FSH)

luteotropic hormone (LH)

estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in rats were measured by radioimmunoassay

and the thickness of endometrium was measured by light microscope. The female ICR mice were randomly divided into normal control group

ZYASP high

middle

low-dose (16.69

8.34

4.17 g·kg-1) groups and diazepam 0.001 mg·kg-1 group

with 12 mice in each group. After intragastric administration for 7 days

intraperitoneal injection of napental (0.03 g·kg-1) was performed

and the number of mice with disappearance of righting reflex and the latency time of sleep were recorded. The female ICR mice were randomly divided into normal control group

ZYASP high

middle

low-dose(16.69

8.34

4.17 g·kg-1) groups and the prozac (0.03 g·kg-1) group

with 12 mice in each group. After intragastric administration for 7 days

the tail suspension experiment was performed

and the accumulative immobile time of the last 4 min was recorded. Result: As compared with sham operation group

the plasma FSH was significantly increased (P<0.01); E2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05); and the thickness of endometrium was decreased significantly (P<0.01) in model group. As compared with the model group

E2 level in rat plasma and endometrial thickness of ZYASP groups and estradiol valerate group

and GNAT group showed increases to certain degrees

and the plasma FSH level can be reduced by ZYASP high and middle-dose groups. In the mice behavior experiment

high-dose ZYASP and diazepam could significantly increase the sleep rate of the hypnotic mice with subthreshold dose of napental (P<0.05

P<0.01); at the same time

the low-dose ZYASP and prozac could significantly shorten the accumulative immobile time of the tail suspension test mice (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: ZYASP can improve the level of plasma E2

reduce FSH level

and increase the endometrial thickness in menopausal rats

with certain hypnotic and antidepressant effect.