Abstract: AIM: To study the anti-oxidative properties of Suyu capsule that ameliorates the stress-induced chronic depressive-behavior in rats. METHODS: 48 male SD rats were separated randomly into 6 groups including the control group, the model group, three suyu capsule groups(the doses were 22.8, 11.4, 5.7 g/kg respectively) and Anafranil(0.02 g/kg). The model was established by separation and chronic unpredictable mild stimulation. Mensurating the increased weight, cane sugar water consumption and residence time, crossing score, rearing score by open-field; the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD),the content of malondialdehyde(MDA) in serum and cerebra of rats were mensurated, too. RESULTS: Suyu capsule could improve the increased weight, cane sugar water consumption and improve the behavioral impairment obviously in chronic unpredictable stress depression rats; Suyu capsule also increased the activity of SOD and decrease the content of MDA in serum and cerebra of rats. ONCLUSION: Suyu capsule can ameliorate the behaviour of chronic unpredictable stressed rats. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the scavenging of free radical may account for the observed antidepressant effects.

Key words: Suyu capsule, antidepressant, teharior, antioxidation