AIM: To observe the influence of Xiaochaihu decoction on the expression of Ghrelin and gastrointestinal motility in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats with syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency and explore the possible mechanism for Xiaochaihu decoction to treat FD. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: a blank group, a model group, a Xiaochaihu decoction group, a Xiaoyaosan group and a domperidone group, with 12 rats in each group. After 14 d of treatment, gastric emptying was measured, and the expression of G...