The Combination of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg and Aucklandia costus Falc. Volatile Oils Exerts Antidepressant Effects in a CUMS-Induced Rat Model by Regulating the HPA Axis and Levels of Neurotransmitters

Abstract

The Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (CX)–Aucklandia costus Falc. (MX) herbal pair is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating depression. The volatile oil from CX and MX has been shown to have good pharmacological activities on the central nervous system, but its curative effect and mechanism in the treatment of depression are unclear. Therefore, the antidepressant effect of the volatile oil from CX–MX (CMVO) was studied in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. The suppressive effects of CMVO (25, 50, 100 μL/kg) against CUMS-induced depression-like behavior were evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT). The results showed that CMVO exhibited an antidepressant effect, reversed the decreased sugar preference in the SPT and prolongation of immobility time in the FST induced by CUMS, increased the average speed, time to enter the central area, total moving distance, and enhanced the willingness of rats to explore the environment in the OFT. Inhalational administration of CMVO decreased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone in serum and the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA in the hypothalamus, which indicated regulation of over-activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, CMVO restored levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the hippocampus. The RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that CMVO up-regulated the expression of 5-HT1A mRNA. This study demonstrated the antidepressant effect of CMVO in CUMS rats, which was possibly mediated via modulation of monoamine and cholinergic neurotransmitters and regulation of the HPA axis.

Back to the Roots—An Overview of the Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Selected Root-Essential Oils

“…The antidepressant effect of Aquilaria sinensis and S. costus EO, a traditional herbal pair in TCM to treat depression has been strengthened only recently. Inhalative administration revealed antidepressant activity in chronic unpredictable mild stress rats by regulating the HPA axis and levels of monoamine and cholinergic neurotransmitters, immunity and gastrointestinal function [ 299 ]. It is stated that the comprehensive effects on the central nervous system may, among others, be related to DEH from S. costus EO, and agarospirol in A. sinensis EO.…”

“…It is stated that the comprehensive effects on the central nervous system may, among others, be related to DEH from S. costus EO, and agarospirol in A. sinensis EO. The two compounds are known as analgesics and potent antagonists of dopamine D 2 and serotonine 5-HT 2A receptor binding [ 299 , 300 ].…”

Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. Against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Network Pharmacological Analysis, and In Vivo Evaluation

“…The FST is described in previous reports (Li et al, 2020), and the reduction in immobility duration is identified with an antidepressant-like effect. Mice were forced to swim in a glass cylinder (diameter 20 cm, water depth 25 cm) filled with water 25 ± 1 °C.…”

“…In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine with definite curative effects and few adverse reactions has received widespread attention. Because of its multicomponent, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects, traditional Chinese medicine has highlighted its unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of PTSD ( Li et al, 2020 ).…”

Total Triterpenes of Wolfiporia cocos (Schwein.) Ryvarden & Gilb Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects in a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rat Model and Regulates the Levels of Neurotransmitters, HPA Axis and NLRP3 Pathway

“…Current treatments for depression mainly focus on the monoaminergic system, and the commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Unfortunately, studies have shown that one-third of patients do not respond to the initial treatment, and almost half of them have a secondary response, often producing adverse reactions such as sexual dysfunction, nausea, tremor, and insomnia ( Li et al, 2020a ; Zhuo et al, 2020 ). To combat depression, the identification of natural medicines with better curative effects and increased safety is urgently needed.…”