The dysregulation of the serotonergic system has long been recognized as an important factor underlying the pathophysiology of
PTSD. To date,
SSRIs have already been established as the firstline pharmacotherapeutic agents for treating acute and chronic
PTSD. However,
SSRIs largely have several disadvantages which limit their utility. Our previous study has also shown that administration of the total
flavonoids, isolated from the extract of
Xiaobuxin-Tang (XBXT, mild mind-easing decoction), comprising four Chinese medicines including Haematitum, Flos Inulae, Folium Phyllostachydis Henonis, and Semen Sojae Preparatum, exerted significant
antidepressant-like effect in chronically mildly stressed rats, possibly mediated by serotonergic activation. Since the central serotonergic dysfunction is an important and well-known cause mediating the pathophysiology of
trauma-related symptoms in
PTSD, it is reasonable to predict that
flavonoids may exert
therapeutic effects on
PTSD in animal models. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the effect of
flavonoids in alleviating the enhanced anxiety and fear response induced in two
PTSD animal models. Ser, an SSRI, was administered as a positive control. Furthermore, the changes of brain monoaminergic
neurotransmitters after chronic
flavonoids administration have also been assessed in SPS-treated rats.