Objective: To establish the anorexia model in immature rats

evaluate the therapeutic effects of Xiao’er Huazhi Jianpi pills

and explore its effects on motilin (MTL) and trace elements such as Zn

Fe and Cu in gastric antrum tissue and peripheral blood of rats. Methods: Totally 72 SD immature rats were randomly divided into the blank group

the model group

the positive group

and Xiao’er Huazhi Jianpi pills high

medium and low dose group

with 12 rats in each group. The anorexia model was established by special feeding method

with administration for 4 weeks

general conditions such as body mass and food intake were monitored. After the last administration

the gastric residual rate was determined. The contents of Zn

Fe and Cu in plasma were detected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The contents of MTL in plasma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of MTL in gastric antrum tissues. Results: Compared with the blank group

the food intake

body mass

expression of MTL in gastric antrum tissues and contents of MTL in the model group decreased significantly (P<0.05)

while gastric residual rate increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the food intake

body mass

MTL

content of Fe of the rats in each treatment group increased significantly (P<0.05)

the content of Zn in the positive group and Xiao’er Huazhi Jianpi pills high dose group increased significantly (P<0.01)

the residual rate in the positive group

Xiaoer Huazhi Jianpi Pills high

medium dose group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Xiao’er Huazhi Jianpi pills can effectively improve the anorexia symptoms in the immature rats. The mechanism may be through regulating the levels of trace elements in the peripheral blood

the secretion of MTL and the expression of MTL in gastric antrum tissue

namely

regulating the “brain-intestinal peptide-appetite center” to achieve its therapeutic effects.