The Traditional Chinese Medicine Jia Wei Xiao Yao capsule reduces depression more effectively than sertraline, and improves cognitive behavior changes related to depression in zebrafish.
The methodology involved identifying the constituents in the Jia Wei Xiao Yao (JWXY) capsule using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analyses. The depression-like behavior in zebrafish, depicted through decreased locomotive and exploratory behavior, and the changes in color preference as an indicator of cognitive behavior changes, were also studied. These behaviors were monitored in the novel tank using an automatic 3D video-tracking system.
Afterward, JWXY capsule and a common antidepressant, sertraline, were administered to the zebrafish, following which their physiological changes were monitored along with their cortisol levels, and the expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and monoamine neurotransmitters.
The JWXY capsule was found to more effectively rescue the zebrafish from the depressed state induced by reserpine, including the typically inhibited exploratory behavior. Additionally, it was more successful than sertraline in reshaping the color preference pattern altered by the onset of depressive behavior. Furthermore, both sertraline and JWXY capsule effectively regulated the cortisol and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, which were beneficial in improving the depressive phenotype and cognitive behavior. JWXY capsule, therefore, potentially holds significant promise for clinical treatment of depression and cognitive disorders.
