Objective: To study the possible mechanism of Sisheng Decoction on spleen deficiency syndrome via the observation of general conditions, immunity and anti-stress function in Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati)-induced mice model.
Methods: Mice were randomized and grouped based on the body weight. The establishment of model and the treatment were done simultaneously. Except the mice in normal group, the decoction and the Dahuang powder were separately given in the morning and the afternoon for 14 d. The general condition of the mice, the rectal temperature, the time of burden swimming, the indexes of thymus and spleen and the interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentration in the serum were observed.
Results: The group treated with Sisheng Decoction showed better performance than that of the model group, including less stool, strong appetite and fast growth; the medium- and high- dose Sisheng Decoction increased the rectal temperature of mice. There was no statistical difference in the thymus and spleen indexes between the groups treated by Sisheng Decoction and the normal group (P>0.05). The thymus index in groups treated by sisheng Decoction was significantly elevated as compared with the model group (P<0.05). The medium- and high-dose Sisheng Decoction significantly improved the concentration of IL-2 and prolonged the time of burden swimming, as compared to the model group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The medium- and high-dose Sisheng Decoction is good at invigorating spleen and replenishing qi. One of the possible mechanisms may be related with the improvement of the immunity and anti-stress function of the body.

Key words: compound (TCD), spleen deficiency, models,animal, immunity, stress, mice