Research progress on Bupleuri Radix and its active components in prevention and treatment of major depressive disorder
ZHANG Ru
SUO Xin
LIU Wen-rong
LI Ying-mei
WANG Shui-xiang
DOU Xia
YANG Xin-rong
JIN Zi-ming
Abstract：Major depressive disorder(MDD)is a common psychiatric disorder characterized primarily by persistent low mood.With a high global prevalence,it has become one of the leading causes of the global disease burden.Current clinical treatment for MDD primarily relies on Western medicine,but issues such as frequent adverse reactions and high recurrence rates persist.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),leveraging its advantages of multi-target,multi-pathway action and fewer adverse reactions,demonstrates unique potential in MDD treatment.Bupleuri Radix(Chai Hu),a key herb in TCM for soothing the liver and resolving depression,possesses effects such as dispersing heat,soothing the liver and resolving depression,and elevating yang qi.Its role in the prevention and treatment of MDD has garnered significant attention in recent years.This paper systematically reviews recent studies on Bupleuri Radix's antidepressant effects,identifying saponins,flavonoids,and volatile oils as its core active components.Its mechanisms primarily involve regulating neurotransmitter balance,improving hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis dysfunction,protecting neural plasticity,suppressing neuroinflammation,modulating the"microbiome-gut-brain axis,"and counteracting oxidative stress.This review covers Bupleuri Radix's active antidepressant components,mechanisms of action,and compound applications,providing a reference for the development,utilization,and clinical application of Bupleuri Radix and its active constituents.
Keywords：Bupleuri Radixmajor depressive disorderSaponinsHPA axisNeurotransmittersNeuroin-flammatory responseGut-brain axis
Publication Date：2026-06-15
Online Publishing Date：2026-08-14(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：7( 1161-1167 )