Suanzaoren Decoction could potentially treat depression by regulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, reducing dysfunctional intestinal flora, and inhibiting a certain inflammatory signaling pathway.
In the methodology, SZRD was applied to a mouse model under chronic unpredictable mild stress, simulating depressive-like behaviours. The researchers gauged the efficacy of SZRD by performing behavioural tests. Further, they used ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to identify and analyse serum metabolites in these depression model rats.
The results demonstrated that SZRD treatment was effective in improving depressive-like behaviors in the mice model. Also, through immunohistochemistry and western blotting, signs of a decrease in activation of certain signaling pathways in the brain and colon of the mice were observed. Additionally, SZRD treatment was seen to lessen histopathological injury in the hippocampus and colon. Finally, it was shown that SZRD could help correct the imbalance of intestinal flora in depressive mice.
