Objective To compare the influences of formulas with actions of soothing liver

invigorating spleen or soothing liver and invigorating spleen on thyroid function in rat model of liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency syndrome. Method All rats were randomly divided into the normal control group （ group 1）

model group of liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency syndrome （ group 2）

Chaihushugan Powder group （ group 3）

Sijunzi Decoction group （ group 4） and Chaishusijun Decoction group （ group 5

each n = 12） . The model was established in group 2

3

4 and 5 by chronic restraint-fatigue-diet disorder method for 4 weeks. Group 3

4 and 5 were given orally the relevant formulas （ 10 mL/kg） for 2 weeks at the end of the 2nd week

and group 1 and 2 were given equivalent distilled water. On the 29th day all rats were killed and the serum levels of T3

T4

tyrotropin releasing hormone （ TRH） and thyroid stimulating hormone （ TSH） were detected. Result Compared with group 1

the serum levels of T3

T4

TRH and TSH decreased significantly in group 2 （ P <0. 05） . Compared with group 2

the serum levels of T3 and T4 increased significantly in group 3

4 and 5 （ P <0. 05）

and the serum levels of TRH andTSH increased significantly in group 5 （ P < 0. 05） . Conclusion The hypofunction of hypothalamus-ptuitary-thyroidal axis can be observed in rat model of liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency syndrome. Chaihushugan Powder

Sijunzi Decoction and Chaishusijun Decoction can improve thyroid function in varying degrees

and among them Chzishusijun Decoction is the best. Formulas with actions of soothing liver and invigorating spleen are related more closely to liver-stagnation and spleen-deficiency syndrome.