Objective: To observe the efficacy of Tiaochong Shugan Tang in treating menopausal depression with kidney deficiency and liver qi stagnation syndrome and investigate its effects on levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH-2) in serum. Method: One hundred and ten menopausal depression patients were randomly divided into control group (55 cases) and treatment group (55 cases) by random number table. The patients in control group were treated with flupentixol and melitracen tablets by orally taking (2 tablets/day

1 tablet in the morning and one at noon). Based on the treatment in control group

the patients in treatment group also received Tiaochong Shugan Tang

1 dose/day and bid. The patients in both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Scores of Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale and scores of Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS) were compared between 2 groups. Clinical efficacy was analyzed after treatment for 8 weeks in 2 groups. Levels of 5-HT and TPH2 in serum were detected in 2 groups. Result: The total clinical effective rate was 96.36% in treatment group

obviously higher than 81.82% in control group

with statistical difference (P<0.05). After treatment

scores in anxiety and other factors of HAMD scale in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control one (P<0.01). After 4 and 8 weeks' treatment

scores of SDS in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group at the same time

with statistical difference (P<0.01). After treatment

levels of 5-HT and TPH2 in serum of treatment group were significantly higher than those of control group

with statistical difference (P<0.01). Conclusion: Based on western medicine treatment

Tiaochong Shugan Tang could improve clinical symptoms

decrease scores of HAMD and SDS in treating menopausal depression with kidney Tang and liver qi stagnation syndrome

and the mechanism may be associated with down-regulating 5-HT and TPH2 levels in serum.