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Wang YT, Wang XL, Wang ZZ, Lei L, Hu D, Zhang Y. Antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese herbal formula Xiao-Yao-San and its bioactive ingredients. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154558. [PMID: 36610123 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is one of the most debilitating and severe psychiatric disorders and a serious public health concern. Currently, many treatments are indicated for depression, including traditional Chinese medicinal formulae such as Xiao-Yao-San (XYS), which has effective antidepressant effects in clinical and animal studies. PURPOSE To summarize current evidence of XYS in terms of the preclinical and clinical studies and to identify the multi-level, multi-approach, and multi-target potential antidepressant mechanisms of XYS and active components of XYS by a comprehensive search of the related electronic databases. METHODS The following electronic databases were searched from the beginning to April 2022: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. RESULTS This review summarizes the antidepressant mechanisms of XYS and its active ingredients, which are reportedly correlated with monoamine neurotransmitter regulation, synaptic plasticity, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, etc. CONCLUSION: XYS plays a critical role in the treatment of depression by the regulation of several factors, including the monoaminergic systems, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, synaptic plasticity, inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, brain-gut axis, and other pathways. However, more clinical and animal studies should be conducted to further investigate the antidepressant function of XYS and provide more evidence and recommendations for its clinical application. Our review provides an overview of XYS and guidance for future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lan Lei
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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Chen J, Lei C, Li X, Wu Q, Liu C, Ma Q, Chen J. Research progress on classical traditional chinese medicine formula xiaoyaosan in the treatment of depression. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:925514. [PMID: 35991880 PMCID: PMC9386002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.925514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is an emotional disorder that is problematic in psychiatry owing to its unclear etiology and unknown pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations such as Xiaoyaosan have been widely used throughout history to treat depression. In this review, we have focused on recent evidences elucidating the links between Xiaoyaosan and the treatment of depression. Data from animal and clinical studies, focusing on the pharmacological mechanisms, clinical applications, and effective materials that form the basis for the treatment of depression are presented and discussed. We found that the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyaosan are related to the effects of monoamine neurotransmitters, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroplasticity, synaptic plasticity, inflammatory response, neuroprotection, brain-gut axis, regulation of intestinal microbiota, oxidative stress, and autophagy for reducing neuronal apoptosis. This review highlights the current evidence supporting the use of Xiaoyaosan as an antidepressant and provides an overview of the potential mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbei Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chaofang Lei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chenyue Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyu Ma
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiaxu Chen,
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Yan ZY, Jiao HY, Chen JB, Zhang KW, Wang XH, Jiang YM, Liu YY, Xue Z, Ma QY, Li XJ, Chen JX. Antidepressant Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Xiaoyaosan in CUMS-Induced Depressed Mouse Model via RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL Mediated Necroptosis Based on Network Pharmacology Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:773562. [PMID: 34867405 PMCID: PMC8641697 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.773562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression is a stress-related disorder that seriously threatens people's physical and mental health. Xiaoyaosan is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has been used to treat mental depression since ancient times. More and more notice has been given to the relationship between the occurrence of necroptosis and the pathogenesis of mental disorders. Objective: The purpose of present study is to explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoyaosan for the treatment of depression using network pharmacology and experimental research, and identify the potential targets of necroptosis underlying the antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan. Methods: The mice model of depression was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks. Adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups, including control group, chronic unpredictable mild stress group, Xiaoyaosan treatment group, necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) group and solvent group. Drug intervention performed from 4th to 6th week of modeling. The mice in Xiaoyaosan treatment group received Xiaoyaosan by intragastric administration (0.254 g/kg/d), and mice in CUMS group received 0.5 ml physiological saline. Meanwhile, the mice in Nec-1 group were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Nec-1 (10 mg/kg/d), and the equivalent volume of DMSO/PBS (8.3%) was injected into solvent group mice. The behavior tests such as sucrose preference test, forced swimming test and novelty-suppressed feeding test were measured to evaluate depressive-like behaviors of model mice. Then, the active ingredients in Xiaoyaosan and the related targets of depression and necroptosis were compiled through appropriate databases, while the "botanical drugs-active ingredients-target genes" network was constructed by network pharmacology analysis. The expressions of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, p-MLKL were detected as critical target genes of necroptosis and the potential therapeutic target compounds of Xiaoyaosan. Furthermore, the levels of neuroinflammation and microglial activation of hippocampus were measured by detecting the expressions of IL-1β, Lipocalin-2 and IBA1, and the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained was used to observe the morphology in hippocampus sections. Results: After 6-weeks of modeling, the behavioral data showed that mice in CUMS group and solvent group had obvious depressive-like behaviors, and the medication of Xiaoyaosan or Nec-1 could improve these behavioral changes. A total of 96 active ingredients in Xiaoyaosan which could regulate the 23 key target genes were selected from databases. Xiaoyaosan could alleviate the core target genes in necroptosis and improve the hippocampal function and neuroinflammation in depressed mice. Conclusion: The activation of necroptosis existed in the hippocampus of CUMS-induced mice, which was closely related to the pathogenesis of depression. The antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan included the regulation of multiple targets in necroptosis. It also suggested that necroptosis could be a new potential target for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yi Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Jiao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Bei Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Wen Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Hong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - You-Ming Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Yun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Xue
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Yu Ma
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Li
- Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Formula-pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Chen Y, Wang W, Fu X, Sun Y, Lv S, Liu L, Zhou P, Zhang K, Meng J, Zhang H, Zhang S. Investigation of the antidepressant mechanism of combined Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba treatment using proteomics analysis of liver tissue. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1179:122858. [PMID: 34329891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a chronic, common mental illness characterized by depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, cognitive impairment, and even suicidal tendency. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the cause of depression is deemed to be "stagnation of liver qi". So relieving "stagnation of liver qi" is effective for depression. The combination of Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba, which is used to soothe the liver and relieve depression, has antidepressant effects, but the mechanisms of the effects are still unclear. In this study, a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress was established as a model of depression, and proteomics analysis was used to explore the potential mechanisms of this combination in alleviating depression. Biological information analysis was performed on the selected differential proteins, and the enriched pathways mainly included the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation, and oxidative phosphorylation. The expression of key proteins included metallothionein-1, cyclin-dependent kinase, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-1, and Cryab was further verified by western blotting, and the results which were consistent with the proteomics results, confirmed the reliability of the proteomic analysis. The antidepressant mechanism of combined Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba treatment may be related to the oxidative stress response, neuroplasticity, the immune response, and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenran Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xin Fu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yonghui Sun
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shaowa Lv
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Jiannan Meng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hongcai Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Shuxiang Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin 150040, China.
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Xiaoyaosan Exerts Therapeutic Effects on the Colon of Chronic Restraint Stress Model Rats via the Regulation of Immunoinflammatory Activation Induced by the TLR4/NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6673538. [PMID: 33505499 PMCID: PMC7810549 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6673538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the neurological manifestation most commonly associated with gastrointestinal diseases. The release of inflammatory cytokines mediated by TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling-induced immunoinflammatory activation may represent a common pathogenic process underlying the development of gastrointestinal diseases and depression. Clinical studies have indicated that Xiaoyaosan (XYS) can relieve depressive behavior by improving gastrointestinal symptoms. We previously demonstrated that XYS can reduce colonic inflammation in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress; however, the precise anti-inflammatory mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether XYS can ameliorate depressive behavior through regulating the TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting immunoinflammatory activation and reducing colonic proinflammatory cytokine levels. Fifty-two healthy male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, model, XYS, and fluoxetine). The latter three groups were subjected to 21 days of chronic restraint stress to generate a model of stress-induced depression. XYS and fluoxetine were administered intragastrically. Behavioral changes in the rats were assessed after 21 days. Serum and colon samples were collected, and the relative levels of the inflammation indicators IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Pathological changes in colon tissue were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB-p65, TAK1, IRAK1, and TRAF6 were detected by immunohistochemistry, while the gene and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB-p65, TAK1, IRAK1, TRAF6, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. The results indicated that XYS could improve the depressive-like behavior and the weight loss of rats with stress-induced depression. Furthermore, depressed rats treated with XYS exhibited decreased expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB-p65, TAK1, IRAK1, TRAF6, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in colonic tissue; reduced colon and serum concentrations of the inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α; and lowered levels of colonic inflammation.
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Xiao-Yao-San Formula Improves Cognitive Ability by Protecting the Hippocampal Neurons in Ovariectomized Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:4156145. [PMID: 32655660 PMCID: PMC7321526 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4156145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Xiao-Yao-San (XYS) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula. This study aimed to investigate the effect of XYS on cognitive abilities and its underlying mechanism in ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and treated with XYS (3 g/kg or 9 g/kg) by gavage, with subcutaneous injection of 17-β estradiol (E2, 2 μg/kg) as a positive drug control and gavage of 1 ml saline (0.9%) as a placebo control. After 6 weeks of treatment, rats were examined using the Morris water maze test. The estradiol level in the serum and hippocampus was measured by ELISA. Golgi staining was performed to observe neuronal morphology in the hippocampus. Apoptosis of hippocampal cells was observed by TUNEL staining. The protein content of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) 2A and 2B in the hippocampal CA1 region was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and PI3K signaling was detected by Western blot. Compared with the sham group, both learning and memory were impaired in ovariectomized rats. Rats treated with E2 or high-dose XYS showed better learning and memory compared with the saline-treated rats. High-dose XYS significantly reduced escape latency in the spatial acquisition trial; meanwhile, the cross times and duration in the probe quadrant were increased in the spatial probe trial. High-dose XYS promoted the de novo synthesis of E2 content in the hippocampus but had no significant effect on the serum E2 level. Golgi staining indicated that high-dose XYS could increase the branch number and density of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 area. TUNEL staining showed that high-dose XYS alleviated ovariectomy-induced neuronal apoptosis. The expression level of NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B in hippocampal CA1 was upregulated by XYS treatment. The beneficial effect of XYS was through activating ERα-PI3K signaling. In conclusion, high-dose XYS treatment can improve the cognitive abilities of ovariectomized rats by protecting the hippocampal neurons and restoring the hippocampal E2 level.
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Liu X, Liu C, Tian J, Gao X, Li K, Du G, Qin X. Plasma metabolomics of depressed patients and treatment with Xiaoyaosan based on mass spectrometry technique. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 246:112219. [PMID: 31494201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a famous and classic traditional Chinese prescription, has been used for long time in treating depressive disorders. XYS consists of Radix Bupleuri (Bupleurum chinense DC.), Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels), Radix PaeoniaeAlba (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocepha lae (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.), Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.)Wolf), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), Herba Menthae Haplocalycis (Mentha haplocalyx Briq.), and Rhizoma Zin-giberis Recens (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). AIM OF THE STUDY A GC-MS based metabolomics approach was applied to discover the potential biomarkers that were related to metabolic differences between healthy volunteers and depression cohort diagnosed by HAMD and CGI, and to demonstrate the potential utility of these biomarkers in the diagnosis of depression and pharmaceutical efficacy of XYS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 17 depressed patients and the 17 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were served as the primary cohort. The depressed patients were screened according to the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorder (CCMD-3) and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). In addition, five other depressed patients were also enrolled as the primary cohort when the final step of sample collection was conducted. Plasma samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Clinical and metabolomics data were analyzed by multivariate statistics analysis, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and MetaboAnalyst. RESULTS We observed significant differences between depression cohort and healthy volunteers, and between patients before and after the treatment of XYS. The method was then clinically validated in an independent validation cohort. Levels of oxalic and stearic acids significantly increased in depressed patients' plasma while valine and urea significantly decreased, as compared with healthy controls. Of note, XYS reversed these metabolite changes in terms of regulating dysfunctions in glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. Importantly, the combination of oxalic and stearic acids is in prospect as diagnose biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the clinical application of metabolomics in disease diagnose and therapy evaluation, which will help in improving our understanding of depression and will lay solid foundation for the clinic application of TCMs. In addition, it suggests that the combination of the two potential biomarkers had also achieved a high diagnostic value, which consequently could be used a diagnose biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Liu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Caichun Liu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Junsheng Tian
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Gao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Ke Li
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Xuemei Qin
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China; Key Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030006, PR China.
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Takahashi K, Nakagawasai O, Nemoto W, Odaira T, Sakuma W, Onogi H, Nishijima H, Furihata R, Nemoto Y, Iwasa H, Tan-No K, Tadano T. Effect of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 on colitis and depressive-like behavior in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice: involvement of the brain-gut axis. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:201. [PMID: 31672153 PMCID: PMC6822456 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including those with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, have higher rates of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety; however, the mechanism of psychiatric disorder development remains unclear. Mice with IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water exhibit depressive-like behavior. The presence of Lactobacillus in the gut microbiota is associated with major depressive disorder. Therefore, we examined whether Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001), a biogenic lactic acid bacterium, prevents DSS-induced depressive-like behavior and changes in peripheral symptoms. METHODS We evaluated colon inflammation and used the tail suspension test to examine whether EF-2001 prevents IBD-like symptoms and depressive-like behavior in DSS-treated mice. The protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and cleaved caspase-3 in the rectum and hippocampus was assessed by western blotting. Hippocampal neurogenesis, altered nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) p65 morphometry, and the localization of activated NFκB p65 and XIAP were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Treatment with 1.5% DSS for 7 days induced IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior, increased TNF-α and IL-6 expression in the rectum and hippocampus, activated caspase-3 in the hippocampus, and decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. Interestingly, these changes were reversed by 20-day administration of EF-2001. Further, EF-2001 administration enhanced NFκB p65 expression in the microglial cells and XIAP expression in the hippocampus of DSS-treated mice. CONCLUSION EF-2001 prevented IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior via decreased rectal and hippocampal inflammatory cytokines and facilitated the NFκB p65/XIAP pathway in the hippocampus. Our findings suggest a close relationship between IBD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Osamu Nakagawasai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan.
| | - Wataru Nemoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan
| | - Takayo Odaira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan
| | - Wakana Sakuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Onogi
- Faculty of Health Science, Tohoku Fukushi University, 1-8-1 Kunimi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nishijima
- Department of Healthcare and Regulatory Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Showa University, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Ryuji Furihata
- Department of Psychiatry, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan
| | - Yukio Nemoto
- Kampo and Herbal Medicine Research Center, Yokohama University of Pharmacy, 601 Matanocho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 245-0066, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Iwasa
- Nihon Berm Co, Ltd, 2-14-3 Nagatachou, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0014, Japan
| | - Koichi Tan-No
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tadano
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8558, Japan.,Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinical Research and Development, Graduate School of Medicine Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
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Ma Q, Li X, Yan Z, Jiao H, Wang T, Hou Y, Jiang Y, Liu Y, Chen J. Xiaoyaosan Ameliorates Chronic Immobilization Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors and Anorexia in Rats: The Role of the Nesfatin-1-Oxytocin-Proopiomelanocortin Neural Pathway in the Hypothalamus. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:910. [PMID: 31920757 PMCID: PMC6914835 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic stress is an important risk factor for depression. The nesfatin-1 (NES1)-oxytocin (OT)-proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neural pathway, which is involved in the stress response, was recently shown to have an anorectic effect in the hypothalamus. Our previous study showed that Xiaoyaosan, a well-known antidepressant used in traditional Chinese medicine, effectively relieved appetite loss induced by chronic immobilization stress (CIS). However, whether Xiaoyaosan ameliorates depression-like behaviors and anorexia by regulating the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway remains unclear. Objective: To investigate whether the antidepressant-like and anti-anorexia effects of Xiaoyaosan are related to the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway in the hypothalamus. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into control, CIS, Xiaoyaosan treatment, and fluoxetine treatment groups. The rats in the CIS, Xiaoyaosan treatment, and fluoxetine treatment groups were subjected to CIS for 21 consecutive days, during which they were administered distilled water, a Xiaoyaosan decoction [3.854 g/(kg·d)] or fluoxetine [1.76 mg/(kg·d)], respectively, by gavage, and their body weights and food intake were monitored daily. The rats were subsequently subjected to the open field test and sucrose preference test. Then, the expression levels of corticosterone and NES1 in the serum and the expression levels of NES1, OT, POMC, and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the hypothalamus were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunochemistry. Furthermore, immunofluorescence double staining was used to determine whether related proteins in the hypothalamic NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway were co-expressed. Results: Compared to control rats, rats exposed to CIS exhibited gradually less food intake and lower body weights and significantly increased concentrations of NES1 in the serum and paraventricular nucleus. Moreover, the expression levels of POMC, OT, and MC4R in the hypothalamus were significantly higher in the CIS group than those in the control group. However, these changes were reversed by pretreatment with Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine. Specifically, the expression levels of members of the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway were lower in the Xiaoyaosan-treated group than in the CIS group. Conclusion: Xiaoyaosan ameliorates CIS-induced depression-like behaviors and anorexia by regulating the NES1-OT-POMC neural pathway in the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Ma
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Jiao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tingye Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yajing Hou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Youming Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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10
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Ding XF, Li YH, Chen JX, Sun LJ, Jiao HY, Wang XX, Zhou Y. Involvement of the glutamate/glutamine cycle and glutamate transporter GLT-1 in antidepressant-like effects of Xiao Yao san on chronically stressed mice. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:326. [PMID: 28629384 PMCID: PMC5477120 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xiao Yao San (XYS) is an herbal prescription which is used in the treatment of depression for thousands of years from Song dynasty in China (960-1127 A.D.), and is the bestselling and most popular herb formula for treating major depression. This study aimed to assess the chronic antidepressant effects of XYS and fluoxetine in depressed mice induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and its association with alterations in glutamate/glutamine cycle and glutamate transporters. METHODS Mice in the control and model group were given 0.5 ml physiological saline by intragastric administration. Mice in two treatment groups were given XYS (0.25 g/kg/d) and fluoxetine (2.6 mg/kg/d), respectively. The depressive-like behaviors such as forced swim test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT) and novelty-suppressed feeding (NSF) test were measured after mice exposed to CUMS for 21 days. Body weight, contents of glutamate and glutamine, glutamine/glutamate ratio that is usually thought to reflect glutamate/glutamine cycle, and the protein and mRNA expressions of glutamate transporters (excitatory amino acid transporter 1-2,GLAST/EAAT1 and GLT-1/EAAT2) were measured. The immunoreactivities of GLAST and GLT-1 in the hippocampus were also investigated. RESULTS After CUMS exposure, mice exhibited depressive-like behaviors, body weight loss, increased glutamate level, decreased glutamine level, elevated glutamine/glutamate ratio, decreased GLT-1 protein expression and mRNA level, and decreased average optical density (AOD) of GLT-1 in the CA1, CA3 and DG in the hippocampus. These abnormalities could be effectively reversed by XYS or fluoxetine treatment. In addition, the study also found that GLAST expression in the hippocampus could not be altered by 21-d CUMS. CONCLUSION The studies indicated that XYS may have therapeutic actions on depression -like behavior s induced by CUMS in mice possibly mediated by modulation of glutamate/glutamine cycle and glutamate transporter GLT-1 in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Fang Ding
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Yue-Hua Li
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100043 China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Long-Ji Sun
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Hai-Yan Jiao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
| | - Xin-Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Henan University of TCM, Henan, 450046 Henan China
| | - Yan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029 China
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Li XJ, Ma QY, Jiang YM, Bai XH, Yan ZY, Liu Q, Pan QX, Liu YY, Chen JX. Xiaoyaosan exerts anxiolytic-like effects by down-regulating the TNF-α/JAK2-STAT3 pathway in the rat hippocampus. Sci Rep 2017; 7:353. [PMID: 28336920 PMCID: PMC5428435 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the anxiolytic-like effects of Xiaoyaosan, a Chinese herbal formula, have been described in many previous studies, its underlying mechanism remains undefined. The cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its closely associated janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signalling pathway regulate the neuro-inflammatory response in the brain, thus participating in the development of anxiety. Our purpose was to investigate whether the anxiolytic-like effects of Xiaoyaosan are related to the TNF-α/JAK2-STAT3 pathway in the hippocampus. We examined the effects of Xiaoyaosan on behaviours exhibited in the elevated plus maze test, open field test and novelty-suppressed feeding test as well as hippocampal neuron damage and changes in the TNF-α/JAK2-STAT3 pathway in a rat model of chronic immobilization stress (CIS)-induced anxiety. Xiaoyaosan exerts anxiolytic-like effects on CIS-induced anxiety, with a significant alleviation of anxiety-like behaviours, an attenuation of hippocampal neuron damage, and a reversal of the activation of the TNF-α/JAK2-STAT3 pathway in the hippocampus that are similar to the effects of the JAK2 antagonist AG490. However, Xiaoyaosan and AG490 failed to effectively regulate apoptosis-related factors, including Bax and Caspase-3. These results suggest that Xiaoyaosan attenuates stress-induced anxiety behaviours by down-regulating the TNF-α/JAK2-STAT3 pathway in the rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Juan Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qing-Yu Ma
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - You-Ming Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Bai
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Yan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qun Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Qiu-Xia Pan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yue-Yun Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Involvement of Normalized Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Expression in the Hippocampi in Antidepressant-Like Effects of Xiaoyaosan on Chronically Stressed Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:1960584. [PMID: 28348623 PMCID: PMC5352892 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1960584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The research has only yielded a partial comprehension of MDD and the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant-like effects of XYS. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the effects of XYS on chronic unpredictable mild stress- (CUMS-) induced changes in the neuronal and the astrocytic markers in the mouse hippocampus. The physical states and depressive-like behaviors in mice with CUMS were recorded. The serum contents of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were measured. The protein and mRNA expressions and the immunoreactivities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in mouse hippocampus were detected using a Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. XYS treatment markedly improved the physical state and depressive-like behaviors in mice subjected to CUMS compared with the model group, and the serum contents of BDNF and GDNF were significantly upregulated. XYS treatment also elevated the protein and mRNA levels, as well as the immunoreactivity of GFAP in the hippocampus. However, CUMS did not influence NeuN expression. In conclusion, these results reveal that chronic administration of XYS elicits antidepressant-like effects in a mouse model of depression and may normalize glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the hippocampi of mice with CUMS.
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13
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Lin XL, Tang XD, Cai ZX, Wang FY, Li P, Sui H, Guo HS. NPs/NPRs Signaling Pathways May Be Involved in Depression-Induced Loss of Gastric ICC by Decreasing the Production of mSCF. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149031. [PMID: 26862759 PMCID: PMC4749124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that natriuretic peptides (NPs) are involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are the pacemaker cells of gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal dyskinesia is one of the important digestive tract symptoms of depression. However, it is unclear whether they are involved in depression-induced loss of ICC. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the natriuretic peptide signaling pathway and depression-induced loss of gastric ICC in depressed rats. These results showed that the expression of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) in smooth muscle layers of stomach were down-regulated in depressed rats at the mRNA and protein levels. The expression of natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A, B and C were up-regulated in the stomach of depressed rats at the mRNA and protein levels. NPR-A, B and C can significantly decrease the expression of SCF to treat cultured gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs) obtained from normal rats with different concentrations of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Pretreatment of cultured GSMCs with 8-Brom-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP, a membrane permeable cGMP analog), cANF (a specific NPR-C agonist) and CNP (10−6 mol/L) demonstrated that 8-Br-cGMP had a similar effect as CNP, but treatment with cANF did not. The results of the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that high concentrations of cANF (10−6 mol/L) restrained the proliferation of cultured GSMCs. Taken together, these results indicate that the up-regulation of the NPs/NPR-C and NPs/NPR-A, B/cGMP signaling pathways may be involved in depression-induced loss of gastric ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Lian Lin
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xu-Dong Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Zheng-Xu Cai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
- * E-mail: (HSG); (ZXC)
| | - Feng-Yun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Ping Li
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hua Sui
- Institute of Basic Research of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hui-Shu Guo
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, Liaoning Province, China
- * E-mail: (HSG); (ZXC)
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14
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Feng DD, Tang T, Lin XP, Yang ZY, Yang S, Xia ZA, Wang Y, Zheng P, Wang Y, Zhang CH. Nine traditional Chinese herbal formulas for the treatment of depression: an ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:2387-2402. [PMID: 27703356 PMCID: PMC5036551 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s114560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a major mental disorder, and is currently recognized as the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. However, the therapeutic effect of antidepressants remains unsatisfactory. For centuries, Chinese herbal formulas (CHFs) have been widely used in the treatment of depression, achieving better therapeutic effects than placebo and having fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants. Here, we review the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology studies of nine common CHFs: "banxia houpo" decoction, "chaihu shugansan", "ganmaidazao" decoction, "kaixinsan", "shuganjieyu" capsules, "sinisan", "wuling" capsules, "xiaoyaosan", and "yueju". Eight clinical trials and seven meta-analyses have supported the theory that CHFs are effective treatments for depression, decreasing Hamilton Depression Scale scores and showing few adverse effects. Evidence from 75 preclinical studies has also elucidated the multitarget and multipathway mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect of the nine CHFs. Decoctions, capsules, and pills all showed antidepressant effects, ranked in descending order of efficacy. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, these CHFs have flexible compatibility and mainly act by soothing the liver and relieving depression. This review highlights the effective treatment choices and candidate compounds for patients, practitioners, and researchers in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In summary, the current evidence supports the efficacy of CHFs in the treatment of depression, but additional large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials and sophisticated pharmacology studies should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Feng
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Tang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Ping Lin
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Yu Yang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Yang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-An Xia
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Wang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Piao Zheng
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hu Zhang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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