Objective To evaluate the effects of biological rhythm disturbance on sedation induced by propofol in rats.Methods Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 180-220 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =8 each) using a random number table:circadian rhythm + administration during night-time group (group CN),circadian rhythm + administration during day-time group (group CD),biological rhythm+administration during night-time group (group BN),and biological rhythm+administration during day-time group (group BD).In CN and CD groups,the rats were fed for 2 weeks in the experimental boxes in a 12 (7:00-19:00):12 h (19:00-7:00) light:dark cycle.While the rats were fed for 2 weeks in the experimental boxes in a 24 h light cycle.Propofol 75 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 14:00 in CN and BN groups,or at 22:00 in CD and BD groups.The duration of loss of righting reflex was recorded.At 20 min after recovery of righting reflex,the cognitive function was assessed.The latency of passive avoidance was measured at 6,12,24 and 48 h after training.Results Compared with group CN,the duration of loss of righting reflex was significantly shortened,and the latency of passive avoidance was prolonged at 12 and 24 h after training in group CD,and the duration of loss of righting reflex and latency of passive avoidance at 12 and 24 h after training were shortened in group BN.Compared with group CD,no significant change was found in the duration of loss of righting reflex,and the latency of passive avoidance was significantly shortened at 24 h after training in group BD.There was no significant change between BN group and BD group in the duration of loss of righting reflex and latency of passive avoidance.Conclusion Biological rhythm disturbance can counteract circadian rhythmproduced effects on sedation induced by propofol in rats.

Cordyceps sinensis is an expensive and tonic-valuable famous herb in China. Due to a narrow growing distribution, a low parasitic rate and a harsh living environmental condition, its wild recourse is not abundant. In re-cent years, with the improvement of living standards, people’s awareness of health care has increased strongly. That is because of people’s over-excavation need;and the natural resources are becoming increasing scarcity. In order to meet the demand for Cordyceps, domestic researchers conducted vigorous studies. Since 1987, four or five cul-tured Cordyceps species have been developed, namely fermented Cordyceps sinensis. Through subsequent unceasing research, they were put into a lot of production, bringing a certain benefits for income and society. Currently, there are four commercial brands on the market. They are Bailing, Jinshuibao, Xinganbao and Ningxinbao. This paper summarized the studies of its chemical compositions and clinical applications on fermented Cordyceps militaris in the recent five years. It will let scholars understand its value of the cultured Cordyceps militaris more comprehen-sively and supply more information for scholars in its further research.