OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of six Kaixin San formulas on simulated cells model of depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

METHODThe in vitro simulated cells model of depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease was established by injuring SH-SY5Y cells with corticosterone (0.4 mmol x L(-1)) , injuring PC12 cells with neurotoxic amyloid peptide (Abeta25-35) (20 micromol x L(-1)) and injuring SH-SY5Y cells with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) (250 micromol x L(-1)). The cell survival rate was assayed with MTT method and the degree of cell injury was detected with LDH.

RESULT100, 500 mg x L(-1) Dingzhixiao Wan prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang could significantly increase the survival ratio of SH-SY5Y cells injured by corticosterone and reduce LDH concentration released. All of the Kaixin San formulas could significantly increase the survival ratio of PC12 cells injured by Abeta25-35 and reduce LDH concentration released. Particularly, Kaixin San (10, 100, 500 mg L(-1)) prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang shown the best effect. And 500 mg x L(-1) Fushen Wan prepared as mentioned in Gujin Luyan could significantly increase survival ratio of SH-SY5Y cell injured by MPP and reduce LDH concentration released.

CONCLUSIONDingzhixiao Wan prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang could protect corticosterone-induced SH-SY5Ycells injury, showing a potential antidepressant effect. All of the six Kaixin San formulas could protect Abeta25-35-induced PC12 cells injury, but Kaixin San prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang shown the best potential effect for Alzheimer's disease. Fushen Wan prepared as mentioned in Gujin Luyan could protect MPP(+)-induced SH-SY5Y cells injury to some extent.