Objective To explore the possible mechanism of Chaihu（Radix Bupleuri）-Baishao（Radix Paeoniae Alba） drug pair against depression based on network pharmacology. Methods The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP） and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database（TCMID） databases were used to screen out the potential active components and targets of the drug pair. The GeneCard and OMIM databases were used to obtain targets for depression

and the target of drug and disease was obtained. Cytoscape 3.7.1 software was used to draw an interactive network map of the active ingredient target disease. The protein-protein interaction（PPI） network was constructed using the String database. The topo-logy property of the intersection target was analyzed by the Network Analyzer tool of Cytoscape 3.7.1. The plug-in Cluster Maker was used for modular analysis

and the GO target function analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the intersection target. Results A total of 14 potential active components

47 corresponding targets

7678 depression-related targets

and 45 overlapping target sites were screened in the drug pair. The PPI network modular analysis showed that 45 targets were mainly divided into 3 modules. The module 1 target mainly participated in the biological processes such as reaction to estradiol

the reaction to cobalt ions

the positive regulation of neuronal apoptosis

ligand-free exogenous apoptosis signaling pathways and transcription initiation of the RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter. Module 2 targets are primarily involved in the biological processes such as adenylate cyclase inhibition of G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptor signaling

phospholipase C activation of G-protein coupled acetylcholine receptor signaling proteins

cholinergic synaptic transmission

and G-protein coupled acetylcholine receptors signaling pathways

exerting antidepressant effects. KEGG pathway analysis is mainly involved in a variety of disease pathways

synaptic pathways and metabolic pathways. Conclusion The anti-depression effect of Chaihu（Radix Bupleuri）-Baishao（Radix Paeoniae Alba） drug pair has multi-component

multi-target and multi-channel mechanism. Among them

it has been proved that ACHE

MAOA

SLC6 A4 and MAOB are closely related to the treatment of depression.