Objective:To investigate the effects of paeoniflorin on behavior and the brain tissue content of monoamine neurotransmitters in reserpine-induced depression model in mice. Method: The animals were randomly divided into 6 groups

namely the control group

model group

clomipramine(40 mg·kg-1) group and paeoniflorin (50

100

200 mg·kg-1) group. The drugs were given daily for 7 days. Reserpine-induced depression model was established to evaluate the antidepressant effect of paeoniflorin. The content of monoamine neurotransmitters in mice was measured by the HPLC. Result: Paeoniflorin(100

200 mg·kg-1

ig 7 day) could significantly increase the body temperature in mice model of depression(P<0.05

P<0.01)

improved ptosis (P<0.01)and activity inhibition(P<0.05)

significantly increased content of Norepinephrine(NE) (P<0.01

P<0.001)and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) (P<0.05

P<0.001)in mice. Conclusion: Paeoniflorin has remarkable antidepressant effects

its mechanism may be involved in monoaminergic nervous system.