Abstract：Objective :Tremella, a famous medical fungus, possesses anti-hypertension, anti-fatigue and antioxidant effects. The present study aims to investigate the antidepressive effect of Tremella extract. Method :Chronic unpredictable mild stress was used to induce depression in wistar male rats and the depressive rats were randomly divided into four groups: the model group (orally treated with 2.0ml/kg sterile saline), Tremella extract treatment groups (orally treated with 0.5g/kg, 1.0g/kg, 1.5g/kg Tremella extract). Moreover, normal rats orally treated with 2.0 ml/kg sterile saline were served as control group. The behavior and neurotransmitter were analysed. Results :4 weeks Tremella extract (1.5g.kg) administration significantly decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST, increased sucrose preference of the model rat (P<0.01). Tremella extract altered the abnormal concentration of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in hypothalamus and plasma in model rat (P<0.01). Conclusion s:Tremella extract displays anti-depressant-like effect which may be related to its regulation on dopaminergic system. Our study provides experimental evidence in supporting the clinical use of Tremella extract as an effective agent against depression.
2016, Vol. 23 
