Moisture content of tea dhool for the scenting process affects the aroma quality and volatile compounds of osmanthus black tea.

To improve the quality of osmanthus black tea, samples produced with different scenting methods were prepared. The sensory quality was assessed and the characteristic aromatic components were explored using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. According to the results, osmanthus black tea obtained by adding osmanthus scenting in the fermentation process had the strongest floral aroma. The major contributors to the aroma of osmanthus black tea were identified as ß-ionone, dihydro-ß-ionone, benzeneacetaldehyde, citral, geraniol, and linalool by calculating their relative odor activity values. An analysis of the causes revealed that the moisture content of tea dhool significantly affected the adsorption of fresh flower aroma by tea. The experimental results showed that osmanthus black tea produced using tea dhool containing 30% moisture content had the highest content of crucial aroma components, suggesting the tea dhool under this condition had the strongest adsorption capacity for osmanthus aroma.

Formation and isomerization of (Z)-methyl epijasmonate, the key contributor of the orchid-like aroma, during tea processing.

The elegant orchid-like fragrance of tea has always been tea processors and consumers' top priority. Controlling the production process is very important for tea aroma formation. This study aims to investigate the synthesis of (Z)-methyl epijasmonate (epi-MeJA), a key contributor to orchid-like aroma properties in tea, during tea processing. The changes in content of epi-MeJA were analysed during the processing of two tea varieties (Anxi Tieguanyin and Taiping Houkui) with typical orchid-like fragrance. It was found to be mainly synthesized and accumulated during tea processing, as fresh tea leaves contained little or even no epi-MeJA. Its content was positively correlated with the processing time in the enzyme active stages (before fixation). During the fixation stages, isomerization occurred due to high temperatures, with a degree of epimerization to the much less odor active isomer (Z)-methyl jasmonate. Isomerization could also occurred during the drying process, which is dominated by the drying temperature.

Effects of brewing water on the volatile composition of tea infusions.

There is a huge demand for brewing water in tea consumption, and the sensory flavor of tea infusion is significantly affected by the water used for brewing. To investigate the impact of brewing water on the aroma of tea infusions made from Camelia senensis, the three tea infusions of green, oolong and black tea brewed by six different drinking waters were analyzed by sensory evaluation, solid-phase microextraction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and chemometrics. Brewing water with high pH values (>8.10) and high TDS content (>140 ppm) resulted in a lower overall aroma acceptability for tea infusion, where HCO3-, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were key influencing ions. A total of 86, 106, and 131 volatiles were identified in green, oolong and black tea infusions, respectively, which were strongly influenced by six different brands of waters. Decanal, dimethyl sulfide, ß-ionone and linalool were potent volatiles in tea aroma changes caused by brewing water.

Profiling GABA(A) Receptor Subunit Expression in the Hippocampus of PMDD Rat Models Based on TCM Theories.

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) play an important role in cognitive and emotional regulation and are related to the hippocampus. However, little is known regarding patterns of hippocampal GABAAR subunit expression in rat models of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study investigated the above changes by establishing two PMDD rat models based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, namely, PMDD liver-qi invasion syndrome (PMDD-LIS) and PMDD liver-qi depression syndrome (PMDD-LDS). Behavioral tests were used to detect depression and irritability emotion. Western blot analysis was used to investigate protein levels of GABAAR α1, α2, α4, α5, ß2, ß3, and δ subunits, whereas ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis was performed to determine gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) levels in the hippocampus across each group. Concurrently, behavioral data indicated that the PMDD-LDS and PMDD-LIS rat models had been successfully established. GABAAR α2, α5, ß2, and δ subunit was significantly upregulated, whereas α4 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in PMDD-LDS rat models relative to controls. On the other hand, GABAAR α1, α2, and ß3 were significantly downregulated while α4 and ß2 were significantly upregulated in PMDD-LIS rat models relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, GABA levels significantly decreased, while Glu and the ratio of glutamate to GABA increased in PMDD-LIS rat models (P < 0.05). Conversely, GABA and Glu levels significantly decreased, whereas the ratio of glutamate to GABA increased in PMDD-LIS rat models (P < 0.05). Conclusively, our results revealed differential expression of GABAAR α1, α2, α4, α5, ß2, ß3, and δ subunits between PMDD-LIS and PMDD-LDS rat models, suggesting that they may be biomarkers in the pathogenesis of PMDD.

Allopregnanolone-mediated GABAA-Rα4 function in amygdala and hippocampus of PMDD liver qi-invasion syndrome model rats.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a common mental health challenge among women of reproductive age. Allopregnanolone (3α, 5α-THP; ALLO) mediated functional alterations of GABAA receptors (GABAA-R) are involved in PMDD pathogenesis, however, the specific mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of ALLO mediated GABAA-Rα4 in the pathophysiology of PMDD. PURPOSE: We determined whether the pathogenesis of PMDD is associated with ALLO mediated GABAA-Rα4 expression changes in different brain regions. METHODS: Rat models of PMDD liver-qi invasion syndrome (PMDD-LIS) were established via the resident intruder paradigm. Behavioral changes of rats were assessed by aggressive behavior tests, EPM and OFT. The levels of progesterone and ALLO in serum as well as brain areas were determined by ELISA. Variations in GABAA-Rα4 levels in brain regions were assessed by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Medicated serum was used to interfere with rat hippocampal neurons, and changes in Cl- current were recorded through electrophysiology. RESULTS: Premenstrual anxiety and irritability of PMDD-LIS patients can be simulated in PMDD-LIS rat models. Exogenous ALLO significantly improved the anxiety behaviors of PMDD-LIS rats. Changes in ALLO among different brain regions varied. GABAA-Rα4 expressions were low in the amygdala and abnormally high in the hippocampus, however, ALLO alleviated these deviations. Whole-cell patch clamp recording technique showed a weaker Cl- current intensity of PMDD-LIS rats, reduced neuroinhibitory functions and increased Cl- current intensity in the ALLO group drug serum intervention and enhanced emotional inhibition function. CONCLUSION: We established that ALLO regulation of the GABAA-Rα4 subunit in the amygdala and hippocampus is involved in PMDD-LIS pathogenesis.

Mechanism Study on Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Nodular Goiter.

Nodular goiter has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Clinically, there has been a burgeoning interest in nodular goiter due to the risk of progression to thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Chinese medicine (CM) in nodular goiter. Articles were systematically retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. New evidence showed that CM exhibited multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics in the treatment of nodular goiter, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxidative stress, blood rheology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, especially inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell apoptosis, involving multiple signal pathways and a variety of cytokines. This review provides a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of CM against nodular goiter. Nonetheless, future studies are warranted to identify more regulatory genes and pathways to provide new approaches for the treatment of nodular goiter.

Inhibition of miR-29b-1-5p Attenuates Inflammatory Response and Pulmonary Fibrosis in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Regulating RTN4 Expression.

Objective: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe respiratory disorder causing alveolar-capillary barrier, leading to a high rate of morbidity and death in critically ill individuals. microRNAs (miRNAs)-mediated mechanism in the pathogenesis of ALI has attracted much interest. Herein, we attempt to characterize a candidate miRNA and its downstream target that is linked to the pathogenesis of ALI. Methods: LPS-conditioned MH-S cells were treated with miR-29a-1-5p mimic, inhibitor, and RNT4 expression vector, and the ALI animal model was injected with agomir and antagomir of miR-29b-1-5p and RNT4 expression vector, in which the pro-inflammatory cytokine production, cell viability and apoptosis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, wet/dry (W/D) ratio, and expression of TGF-ß1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, and vimentin were examined. miR-29a-1-5p inhibition of RTN4 translation was confirmed by luciferase activity assays. Results: An elevated miR-29a-1-5p expression was demonstrated in LPS-conditioned MH-S cells. miR-29a-1-5p inhibitor transfection attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and MH-S cell viability but enhanced the apoptosis. miR-29a-1-5p inhibition of RTN4 translation was demonstrated in the setting of LPS-induced ALI. LPS-induced murine models demonstrated upregulated miR-29a-1-5p. Intravenous injection of miR-29b-1-5p agomir attenuated mouse lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. RTN4 overexpression resisting to miR-29a-1-5p overexpression was demonstrated in LPS-induced murine models. Conclusion: The findings obtained from the study that disturbing the action of miR-29a-1-5p may be a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing ALI.

Tubeimoside-1: A review of its antitumor effects, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and targeting preparations.

Tubeimoside-1 (TBMS-1), a natural triterpenoid saponin found in traditional Chinese herbal medicine Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma, is present in numerous Chinese medicine preparations. This review aims to comprehensively describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and targeting preparations of TBMS-1, as well the therapeutic potential for cancer treatement. Information concerning TBMS-1 was systematically collected from the authoritative internet database of PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure applying a combination of keywords involving "tumor," "pharmacokinetics," "toxicology," and targeting preparations. New evidence shows that TBMS-1 possesses a remarkable inhibitory effect on the tumors of the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, genital system as well as other systems in vivo and in vitro. Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that TBMS-1 is extensively distributed in various tissues and prone to degradation by the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, causing a decrease in bioavailability. Meanwhile, several lines of evidence have shown that TBMS-1 may cause adverse and toxic effects at high doses. The development of liver-targeting and lung-targeting preparations can reduce the toxic effect of TBMS-1 and increase its efficacy. In summary, TBMS-1 can effectively control tumor treatment. However, additional research is necessary to investigate in vivo antitumor effects and the pharmacokinetics of TBMS-1. In addition, to reduce the toxicity of TBMS-1, future research should aim to modify its structure, formulate targeting preparations or combinations with other drugs.

Network Pharmacology and Data Mining Approach Reveal the Medication Rule of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome/Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by periodic mental and somatic symptoms such as irritability, depression, and breast pain during the luteal phase. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the most severe form of PMS. In recent years, the incidence of PMS/PMDD has been increasing year after year. However, due to the complex symptoms and ambiguous classification of PMS/PMDD, the limitations of present treatments, such as their poor efficacy rate, have become increasingly apparent. With its unique benefits such as syndrome differentiation and high cure rate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has sparked new diagnosing and treating of PMS/PMDD. This study uses data mining methods, and statistical analysis revealed that Xiaoyao San and Chaihu Shugan San were the commonly used TCM to treat PMS/PMDD. A detailed investigation of regularly used single herbs revealed that most TCM is used as cold herbs that penetrate the liver meridian, with predominant bitter, sweet, and pungent flavors. The network pharmacology method analyzes the interactions between diseases, targets, and herbs. Meanwhile, the deep action targets and molecular mechanisms of 10 commonly used herbs for the treatment of PMS/PMDD are studied, revealing that it involves several ingredients, many targets, and different pathways. This interaction provides insight into the mechanism of action of TCM in the synergistic treatment of PMS/PMDD. It is now clear that we can begin treating PMS/PMDD with TCM using the target and mechanism revealed by the abovementioned findings in the future. This serves as an essential reference for future research and clinical application of TCM in the treatment of PMS/PMDD.

Radix Ranunculi ternati: review of its chemical constituents, pharmacology, quality control and clinical applications.

OBJECTIVES: Radix ranunculi ternati (RRT) is widely used as traditional and folk medicine distributed in China, as well as in Kyushu and Shikoku in Japan. Although RRT has a short history of use as medicine, it has a high medicinal value. This study summarizes the research progress on the chemical constituents, pharmacological activity, quality control measures and clinical applications to provide a valuable and exhaustive reference for the development and application of RRT. KEY FINDINGS: Phytochemical studies showed that this plant mainly contains glycosides, organic acids, esters, sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids and volatile oils. The pharmacological activity of RRT includes immune regulation, anti-tumour, anti-tuberculosis, antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This plant is especially effective in the treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, thyroid and nasopharynges disorders.

Clinical study on Yanghe decoction in improving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy efficacy and immune function of breast cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plays an important role in downgrading preoperative tumor size, providing information on regimen activity, and increases treatment efficacy in breast cancer patients. An increasing number of patients have sought Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) during NAC to relieve discomfort, regulate immune function, and improve survival. However, limited evidence is available on how concurrent TCM treatment combined with NAC affects tumor response. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Yanghe decoction, a classical warming Yang formula, on pathological complete response (pCR) and explore its mechanism via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/ protein kinase B/nuclear factor kappa-B (PI3K/Akt/NF-κB) pathway-mediated immune-inflammation microenvironment. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded randomized control trial (RCT) was designed. This trial aims to recruit 128 participants with breast cancer scheduled to receive NAC in China. All participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to the Neo-Yanghe group (Yanghe decoction plus NAC) or the control group (placebo plus NAC). The primary outcome will be evaluated by the proportion of participants achieving pCR. The secondary outcomes include the expression level of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway-related proteins, the objective response rate, the time to response, serum level of immune-inflammatory indicators, quality of life, disease-free survival, and overall survival. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first RCT to evaluate the efficacy of Yanghe decoction combined with NAC in treating breast cancer patients, and elucidate the antitumor mechanism via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway-mediated immune-inflammation microenvironment. If possible, Neo-Yanghe treatment pattern will be a better pharmacological intervention to manage breast cancer than chemotherapy alone. The results of the trial will provide research-based evidence for the development of integrated Chinese and Western medicine guidelines and expert consensus.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-INR-2000036943. Registered on September 28, 2020 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=57141).

Effects of baking treatment on the sensory quality and physicochemical properties of green tea with different processing methods.

Seven batches of raw tea leaves, processed by different methods (steaming, pan-frying) and from two different harvesting seasons (spring, autumn), were used to investigate the effect of baking treatment on changes in the composition and content of nonvolatile and volatile compounds. The results showed that baking had a greater impact on sensory and flavor quality, which chemically modified some of taste and aroma components. The aroma concentrations of steamed teas (4,168-10,706 µg/L) were significantly higher than those of pan-fried teas (959-2,608 µg/L), and the aroma concentrations of baked green teas (2,608-10,706 µg/L) were significantly higher than those of unbaked teas (959-4,213 µg/L). Based on VIP > 1 and ACI > 1, (E, E)-3,5-octadien-2-one, hexanal, ß-ionone, 5-methylfurfural, ß-cyclocitral, and linalool were identified as the main aroma compounds. Chemical changes resulting from Maillard reaction were greater during baking of steamed, than pan-fried green tea. These results help improve the quality of green tea with baking.

Acupuncture combined with SSRIs in the treatment of perimenopausal depressive disorder: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perimenopausal depressive disorder (PDD) is an affective disorder involving endocrine, neurological, immune, which seriously endangers the physical and mental health of human. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the current first-line clinical treatment, have limited efficacy and serious side effects. Acupuncture combined with SSRIs therapy has been widely used clinically because it increases efficacy and reduces side effects. There is a lack of high-quality evidence to assess its efficacy and safety. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with SSRIs in the treatment of PDD by meta-analysis. METHODS: All randomized controlled trials articles about acupuncture combined with SSRIs treatment of PDD will be searched in databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, Wei Pu from the construction of the library to December 16, 2021. According to Cochrane 5.1 Handbook criteria, two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 and STATA 16.0 software. RESULTS: This study will summarize the current evidence to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with SSRIs for the treatment of PDD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide clinicians with new treatment ideas and bring benefits to most patients. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2021120080 (DOI number: 10.37766/inplasy2021.12.0080).

Application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common malignancy in the genitourinary system and the current theranostic approaches are unsatisfactory. Sensitivity and specificity of current diagnosis methods are not ideal and high recurrence and progression rates after initial treatment indicate the urgent need for management improvements in clinic. Nanotechnology has been proposed as an effective method to improve theranosis efficiency for both non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). For example, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been developed for simple, fast and sensitive urinary sample test for bladder cancer diagnosis. Nanoparticles targeting bladder cancers can facilitate to distinguish the normal and abnormal bladder tissues during cystoscopy and thus help with the complete removal of malignant lesions. Both intravenous and intravesical agents can be modified by nanotechnology for targeted delivery, high anti-tumor efficiency and excellent tolerability, exhibiting encouraging potential in bladder cancer treatment. Photosensitizers and biological agents can also be delivered by nanotechnology, intermediating phototherapy and targeted therapy. The management of bladder cancer remained almost unchanged for decades with unsatisfactory effect. However, it is likely to change with the fast-developed nanotechnology. Herein we summarized the current utility of nanotechnology in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing insights for the future designing and discovering novel nanoparticles for bladder cancer management.

Effect of Ferrous Ion on Heat-Induced Aroma Deterioration of Green Tea Infusion.

Aroma deterioration is one of the biggest problems in processing tea beverages. The aroma of tea infusion deteriorates fast during heat sterilization and the presence of ferrous ion (Fe2+) aggravates it. The underlying mechanism remains unveiled. In this study, Fe2+ was verified to deteriorate the aroma quality of green tea infusion with heat treatment. Catechins were necessary for Fe2+-mediated aroma deterioration. By enhancing the degradation of catechins, Fe2+ dramatically increased the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Fe2+ and H2O2 together exacerbated the aroma of green tea infusion with heat treatment. GC-MS analysis revealed that the presence of Fe2+ enhanced the loss of green/grassy volatiles and promoted the formation of new volatiles with diversified aroma characteristics, resulting in a dull scent of green tea infusion. Our results revealed how Fe2+ induced aroma deterioration of green tea infusion with heat treatment and could help guide tea producers in attenuating the aroma deterioration of tea infusion during processing.

Effects of brewing water on the sensory attributes and physicochemical properties of tea infusions.

The effects of brewing water on the sensory attributes and physicochemical properties of tea infusions made from Chinese teas were investigated. The tea infusions brewed in water with higher pH and total dissolved solids (TDS), generally had a darker color and lower overall sensory acceptability. Moreover, those infusions had less catechins, particularly galloylated-catechins, and lower antioxidant capacity. The teas with less fermentation contained more galloylated-catechins and had higher antioxidant capacity, but were much more susceptible to high mineral brewing water. Green tea was proved to be the most susceptible one, whereas dark tea the most stable one. Green tea infusions prepared with higher pH/TDS water were more rapidly oxidized, resulting in a darker color due to polymerization of catechins, when exposed to the air. These findings suggested that low mineral brewing water was better for Chinese tea, both from the sensory and health benefit perspectives.

Effect of chemical composition of black tea infusion on the color of milky tea.

Milky tea is popular in many countries and its color is an important sensory property. The effects of black tea infusion on the color of milky tea prepared with non-dairy creamer were investigated. The results showed that the redder black tea infusion produced milky tea with more redness, and the color of milky tea was a pleasant pink when the a* value (redness indicator) was in the range of 6.0-7.0. Correlation analysis revealed that the respective theaflavins (TFs), thearubigins (TRs), thearubigins (TBs), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid contents significantly correlated with the a* values of milky tea. A series of complementary experiments were performed to elucidate that TFs and EGCG contributed to the redness of milky tea. The color formation was mainly associated with the binding of phenols to the proteins in the non-dairy creamer. These results contribute to understand the mechanism of color formation in milky tea.

Effect of baking on the flavor stability of green tea beverages.

Flavor stability is important for the quality of tea beverages. Baking is a typical processing technology to improve the flavor of tea leaves. In present study, seven raw tea materials, including steamed spring and autumn tea leaves, pan-fired spring tea leaves, and their corresponding baked tea leaves, were used to investigate the effect of baking on flavor stability of green tea beverages. The results showed that tea beverages prepared with baked tea had better flavor stability. The baking process obviously changed the concentrations of some important flavor substances, especially the aromatic pyrrole substances from 0 (unbaked) to 338.13 µg/L (baked) in tea beverages. Heat treatment had little influence on the flavor of tea beverages prepared from baked tea, but caused great changes in non-volatile and volatile components in those prepared from unbaked leaves. These results could help guide the processing of tea beverages which would improve their flavor quality stability.

Effects of Paeonia lactiflora Extract on Estrogen Receptor ß, TPH2, and SERT in Rats with PMS Anxiety.

This study is to investigate the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS anxiety and on expression of estrogen receptor ß (ERß), tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), and serotonin transporter (SERT) in the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) anxiety model rats. The vaginal smear and open field test were used to screen rats in nonreception phase of estrus cycle with similar macroscopic behaviors and regular estrus cycle. PMS anxiety model rats were prepared by electrical stimulation. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of ERß, TPH2, and SERT. Compared with normal rats, the total distance in the open field test of the model rats was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The model rats showed nervous alertness, irritability, and sensitivity to external stimuli. After treatment with the Paeonia lactiflora extract, the total distance of rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In reception stage, there was no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression of ERß, TPH2, and SERT. In nonreception stage, the expression of ERß and TPH2 in the model group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group, but not SERT. Abnormal changes of the above indicators were reversed after the administration of the Paeonia lactiflora extract. In conclusion, Paeonia lactiflora extract can increase the expression of ERß and TPH2 and decrease SERT in PMS model rats, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS.

Gene Expression in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder After Treatment With Baixiangdan Capsules.

Objective: To explore the targets, signal regulatory networks and mechanisms involved in Baixiangdan (BXD) capsule regulation of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) at the gene transcription level, since the etiology and pathogenesis of PMDD are not well understood. Methods: The PMDD rat model was prepared using the resident-intruder paradigm. The rats were tested for aggressive behavior, and those with scores in the lowest 30% were used as controls, while rats with scores in the highest 30% were divided into a PMDD model group, BXD administration group and fluoxetine administration group, which were evaluated with open-field tests and aggressive behavior tests. We also analyzed gene expression profiles in the hippocampus for each group, and verified differential expression of genes by real-time PCR. Results: Before and after BXD or fluoxetine administration, scores in the open-field test exhibited no significant differences. The aggressive behavior of the PMDD model rats was improved to a degree after administration of both substances. Gene chip data indicated that 715 genes were differentially expressed in the control and BXD groups. Other group-to-group comparisons exhibited smaller numbers of differentially expressed genes. The effective targets of both drugs included the Htr2c, Cdh3, Serpinb1a, Ace, Trpv4, Cacna1a, Mapk13, Mapk8, Cyp2c13, and Htr1a genes. The results of real-time PCR tests were in accordance with the gene chip data. Based on the target genes and signaling pathway network analysis, we have elaborated the impact and likely mechanism of BXD in treating PMDD and premenstrual irritability. Conclusion: Our work contributes to the understanding of PMDD pathogenesis and the mechanisms of BXD treatment. We speculate that the differentially expressed genes could participate in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium, and gamma-aminobutyric acid signal transduction.