Antidepressant mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine: Involving regulation of circadian clock genes

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated an intimate relationship between circadian rhythm disorders and the development and prevention of depression. The biological clock genes, which constitute the molecular basis of endogenous circadian rhythms, hold promising prospects for depression treatment. Based on an extensive review of recent domestic and international research, this article presents a comprehensive analysis of how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervenes in depression by regulating circadian rhythms. The findings indicate that TCM exerts its antidepressant effects by targeting specific biological clock genes such as Bmal1, clock, Arntl, Per1, Per2, Per3, Nr1d1, Cry2, and Dbp, as well as regulating circadian rhythms of hormone secretion. However, most current research is still confined to basic experimental studies, lacking clinical double-blind control trials to further validate these viewpoints. Furthermore, there is insufficient research on the signal transduction pathway between biological clock genes and pathological changes in depression. Additionally, further clarification is needed regarding the specific targets of TCM on the biological clock genes.

Figure 1.

Mechanism of biological clock genes inducing depression. ACTH = Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Bmal1 = brain and muscle ARNT-like 1; Clock = circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput; CORT = cortisol; CRH = corticotropin-releasing hormone; Cry = cryptochrome; HPA = hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal; MDD = major depressive disorder; Per = period.