BIPHASIC EFFECTS OF PU-CHUNG-I-CHI-TANG ON SEDATION AND EXCITATION

The biphasic effects of Pu-Chung-I-Chi-Tang (PCT) on sedation and exci tation in acute treatment or after one-week consecutive treatment were studied. The results indicated that PCT produces sedation in acute tr eatment and excitation after one-week consecutive treatment. The sedat ive mechanism of PCT in acute treatment might be due to an increase in serotonergic activity and a decrease in dopaminergic activity. Howeve r, the excitatory mechanism of PCT after one-week consecutive treatmen t might involve the increase in dopaminergic activity and the decrease in serotonergic activity.