Objective: To explore the effects of Yiqi Huatan Fang(YQHTF) and its component on the serum copper

zinc in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) model in rats. Method: Sixty male rats were divided into five groups randomly.The depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and living individually. On the second day

the adjusting zinc and copper group (3.25 g·kg-1) and the YQHTF group 7.0 g·kg-1 were administrated the diluent by intragastric injection with 10 mL·kg-1. The positive drug group was administrated the maprotiline by intragastric injection with 10 mg·kg-1.The model group and the control group were administrated the saline by intragastric injection with 10 mL·kg-1.During the experiment

the data of open-field test and the percentage of sucrose preference were detected.On day 23

all the rats were decapitated after the last treatment

then blood was immediately isolated for detecting the concentration of the level of serum copper and zinc by atomic absorption method. Result: The depression model was successfully established. Compared with control group

the serum copper level in the model rats was increased significantly and the serum zinc level was decreased significantly. YQHTF could reverse all these changes.The adjusting zinc and copper group could significantly increase the level of serum zinc and decrease the level of serum copper. Conclusion: YQHTF and its component have a good effect of anti-depression. It can improve the behavior of the depressed rats

increase serum copper level and decrease serum zinc level significantly in depressed rats. The adjusting zinc and copper group is likely the major components of YQHTF.