Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of Jieyu Anshen particles combined with paroxetine hydrochloride tablets in treatment of depression after ischemic stroke its effects on levels of interleukin (IL)-6

IL-23

tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)

norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in serum. Method: Ninety-four patients with depression after ischemic stroke in our hospital were elected and randomly divided into observation group (48 cases) and control group (46 cases) according to random number table. All patients in both groups were treated with conventional intervention according to ‘Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation in China’. Patients in control group orally took paroxetine hydrochloride tablets

20 mg/day at beginning

increased by 10 mg per week

and with a maximum dose≤40 mg/day. Patients in observation group were given with Jieyu Anshen particles based on the treatment of control group

5 g/time

bid. Patients in both groups were treated for 6 weeks. Scores of Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD)

scores of HAMD factors

and clinical efficacy were compared between two groups. The levels of IL-6

IL-23

TNF-α

NE and 5-HT in serum were detected in both groups. Result: After 3 and 6 weeks' treatment

scores of HAMD scale in observation group were lower than those in control group (P < 0.01). Scores of HAMD factors in observation group were lower than those in control group after treatment (P < 0.01). The total effective rate was 91.67%in observation group

higher than 71.74%in control group (P < 0.05). After treatment

the levels of IL-6

IL-23

and TNF-α in serum of observation group were significantly lower

while NE and 5-HT levels were significantly higher than those of control group

with statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Jieyu Anshen particles combined with hydrochloride tablets had definite efficacy in treatment of depression after ischemic stroke

and the therapeutic effect may be related with down-regulating the levels of IL-6

IL-23

TNF-α

and up-regulating NE and 5-HT levels in serum.