Baichuan Baile Formula, a Promising Herbal Dietary Supplement, Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects by Modulating the Serotoninergic System in Mouse Models.

ABSTRACT: Baichuan Baile (BCBL) is a novel formula that incorporates three herbs and a single food additive, all of which are widely used in ordinary or functional foods. It is a promising dietary supplement for the treatment of depression based on TCM principles and nutritional assessments. Our study was designed to explore BCBL's antidepressant-like effects and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. First, the antidepressant-like effects of BCBL were predicted through network pharmacology and validated using systematic depression models. Next, the 5-HTP-induced head-twitch test, yohimbine-induced death test, and reserpine-induced ptosis, hypothermia, and akinesia test were conducted to assess BCBL's impact on monoaminergic function. Additionally, the effects of BCBL on monoamine neurotransmitters we

SUBMITTER: Zhu SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12406177 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature