Insights & Discussion
TCM pattern-based treatments for depression frequently use Xiao Yao and Chai Hu Shu Gan decoctions, with Bai Shao and Chai Hu herbs common across different TCM patterns.
The methodology incorporated a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from both Chinese and English literatures regarding traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern-based treatments for depression. This encompassed a total of 61 studies and 2504 subjects across 27 TCM patterns. Due to varied TCM patterns among participants, the analysis focused on the four most prevalent ones: liver qi depression, liver depression and spleen deficiency, dual deficiency of the heart and spleen as well as liver depression and qi stagnation.
In the discussion of results, it was found that Xiaoyao decoction was most frequently used for the treatment of liver qi depression and liver depression with spleen deficiency, whereas Chaihu Shugan decoction was typically used for liver depression and qi stagnation. Commonly used herbs regardless of the prescribed Chinese herbal formulas included Bai Shao and Chai Hu. Typically, the individual studies did not provide an underlying rationale for herb selection, limiting the conclusions one could draw regarding the efficacy of certain herbal formulas and the response of specific TCM patterns to these treatments.
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Xiao Yao San has potential as an effective and safe alternative treatment for depression, offering multiple mechanisms of action for its antidepressant effects.
2022 Frontiers in Pharmacology Research progress on classical traditional chinese medicine formula xiaoyaosan in the treatment of depression Chen J, Lei C, Li X, Wu Q, Liu C, Ma Q, et al.
Review Article Depression Xiao Yao San
The article discusses the use of Xiaoyaosan, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, in the treatment of depression. It reviews recent evidence from animal and clinical studies, highlighting the pharmacological mechanisms and effective components involved in the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyaosan. The review explores various factors such as neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, inflammatory response, gut-brain axis, oxidative stress, and autophagy that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The article emphasizes the potential of Xiaoyaosan as an alternative therapy for depression and provides an overview of its mechanisms of action.
Chaihu Shugan powder, a traditional Chinese medicine, presents potential advantages in treating post-stroke depression, showing potential as an alternative to conventional antidepressants.
2022 Medicina A Chinese Classical Prescription Chaihu Shugan Powder in Treatment of Post-Stroke Depression: An Overview Gao Z, Wang Y, Yu H
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Depression Stroke
The research approach merges both clinical and experimental studies in exploring the effectiveness of Chaihu Shugan powder, a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, in treating post-stroke depression. Starting from current clinical cases, the study thoroughly investigates the mechanisms of action and drug and chemical effects of this treatment. The attention is given to the performance of Chaihu Shuan powder in counteracting post-stroke depression, focusing on patients who have not shown an adequate response or experienced adverse reactions to commonly used antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
The results indicate outstanding benefits of the Chinese herbal treatment for post-stroke depression. It shows that Chaihu Shugan powder could potentially offer a significant contribution to incapacity and recovery of cognitive dysfunction and motor function after a stroke. It also helps to prominently lessen the probability of neurovascular events coming back. This highlights the values of Chaihu Shugan powder that serves as an effective and promising alternative to the standard drug treatments for post-stroke depression.