Abstract:To observe the effect of moxa smoke (Artemisia vulgaris) on neurotransmitters 5-HT and GABA in the brain of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoEKO) and explore the antiaging effect of moxa smoke. Methods: Seven eight-week old C57BL/6 mice were collected as control group, and twenty-one eight-week old ApoEKO mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=7/group): model group, moxa smoke group, and clopidogrel group. Mice in the smoke group was exposed to smoke, whose concentration is controlled within 5~15 mg/m3; mice in model group and control group were exposed to normal air. Mice in clopidogrel group were treated with 14 mg/kg clopidogrel orally once/day. After 16 weeks interference, the levels of 5-HT and GABA in the mice brain were measured. Results: Compared with the model group, the brain 5-HT and GABA levels of moxa smoke group were decreased significantly (P<0.05). There is no significant difference between the clopidogrel group and control group in 5-HT concentration, while GABA level was higher in clopidogrel group with significant difference (P<0.05), besides, the differences among the three groups have significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: Within appropriate concentration, moxa smoke can obviously increase brain 5-HT and GABA levels in ApoEKO mice.