Abstract: AIM: To study the sedation, diuresis and anticoagulation effects of Ji-Ming-San (JMS)in animal models for exploring the circadian variations of the dosing action and verifying the rationality of administering JMS on special time.METHODS: The sedation effect and circadian difference were determined by observing the time session of ambulation, raising double-forefoot test and autonomic activity of model mice. The diuretic effect and the circadian variation in rats were examined by metabolic cage test while the anticoagulation and the circadian change were observed by glass test.RESULTS: JMS produced significant sedation effect by reducing time session of ambulation, raising upper limbs frequencies time and autonomic activity and the built-in rhythm with autonomic activity disappeared after JMS administration.JMS had satisfactory diuretic effect and total urinary output in water-loaded rats was increased after dosing.The diuretic effect of dosing showed a circadian rhythm with more significant output during the night than that during the daytime. Also, JMS prolonged the clotting time significantly and the action exhibited circadian difference.As compared with administration at the night, the clotting time was more prolonged at the daytime.CONCLUSION: JMS can produce obvious sedation, diuresis and anticoagulation effects with varied circadian rhythm.The findings suggest that the effect of administering JMS is better at the end of rest phase than other time session.

Key words: Ji-Ming-San, circadian rhythm, sedation, diuresis, anticoagulation