Suanzaorentang versus diazepam: a controlled double-blind study in anxiety.

The ancient Chinese remedy Suanzaorentang was originally described in Kin-Kue-Yao-Lueh for patients with weakness, irritability and insomnia. In our preliminary observations on suanzaorentang, it seemed to be a promising anxiolytic remedy. A controlled comparative double-blind clinical trial was set up to assess the anxiolytic effect of suanzaorentang. Suanzaorentang (250 mg t.i.d.) and diazepam (2 mg t.i.d.) had almost the same anxiolytic effect. However, suanzaorentang, but not diazepam, improved the psychomotor performance during the daytime. No significant subjective side effects were observed during treatment with suanzaorentang. All laboratory tests, including liver function tests (serum SGOT, SGPT, albumin, globulin, bilirubin), renal function tests (BUN, serum creatinine), electrolyte balances (serum K+, Na+, Cl-, Ca++), serum cholesterol-triglyceride-HDL-c, thyroid function test (serum T4), chest P-A X-ray film, blood-urine-stool routine examinations (BUS routines), were unaltered after one week's administration of the compound.