Mechanisms of paeoniaceae action as an antidepressant

by Selleckchem | Mar 22 2023

Paeoniflorin (PF) has been widely used for the treatment of depression in mice models, some Chinese herbal compound containing PF on treating depression, such as Xiaoyao San, Chaihu-Shugan-San, Danggui Shaoyao San etc. Many experiments are also verifying whether PF in these powders can be used as an effective component in the treatment of depression. Therefore, in this review the antidepressant effect of PF and its mechanism of action are outlined with particular focus on the following aspects: increasing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, inhibiting the HPA axis, promoting neuroprotection, enhancing neurogenesis in the hippocampus, and elevating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This review may be helpful for the application of PF in the treatment of depression.

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Paeoniflorin (PF) is a natural compound found in various herbs, including Paeonia lactiflora, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Recent studies have shown that PF has antidepressant effects, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of depression. In this review, we will outline the mechanisms through which PF exerts its antidepressant effects.

Increasing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters:
Depression is often characterized by a deficiency in monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. PF has been shown to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in various brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. This increase in neurotransmitter levels is thought to contribute to the antidepressant effects of PF.

Inhibiting the HPA axis:
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in the stress response and is often dysregulated in depression. PF has been shown to inhibit the HPA axis by reducing the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which are key components of the HPA axis. By inhibiting the HPA axis, PF may help to reduce the negative effects of chronic stress on the brain and improve depressive symptoms.

Promoting neuroprotection:
Depression is associated with a reduction in brain volume and neurodegeneration in key brain regions. PF has been shown to have neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the brain. These neuroprotective effects may help to prevent further damage to the brain and promote recovery from depression.

Enhancing neurogenesis in the hippocampus:
The hippocampus is a key brain region involved in the regulation of mood, and a reduction in hippocampal volume and neurogenesis has been observed in depression. PF has been shown to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. This increase in neurogenesis may contribute to the antidepressant effects of PF.

Elevating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF):
BDNF is a key growth factor involved in the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons. Reduced levels of BDNF have been observed in depression, and increasing BDNF levels is thought to have antidepressant effects. PF has been shown to increase BDNF levels in various brain regions, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This increase in BDNF may contribute to the antidepressant effects of PF.

In conclusion, PF has multiple mechanisms through which it exerts its antidepressant effects, including increasing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, inhibiting the HPA axis, promoting neuroprotection, enhancing neurogenesis in the hippocampus, and elevating levels of BDNF. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of PF as a treatment for depression, but the evidence to date suggests that it may be a promising candidate.