Research Progress of the Liver–Brain Cotreatment of Depression with Supplemented Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in preventing and treating depression based on holistic concepts and syndrome differentiation and treatment. Liver depression and spleen deficiency are the main syndrome of depression. Danzhi Xiaoyao powder has the efficacy of soothing the liver and relieving depression, nourishing blood, and strengthening spleen. Present studies have proven that it has antidepressant efficacy for the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. The basic research on pharmacodynamic substances has found that the main active ingredients of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder in the treatment of depression include bupleurum saponin, paeonol, gardenoside, angelica polysaccharide, sulfate polysaccharide, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, atractylone, etc. In clinical practice, Danzhi Xiaoyao powder is often modified to make it more suitable according to the characteristics of pathogenesis and changes in the disease condition. Our research group has found that “brain and spirit failure and liver failing to disperse” are the main pathogenesis of depression. Based on the theory of “liver–brain cotreatment,” the treatment principle of “dispersing the liver and relieving depression, strengthening brain and benefiting intelligence” was put forward. On the basis of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder, Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) was added to enlighten the mind and Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) to calm the mind and benefit intelligence. The modified Danzhi Xiaoyao powder was formulated, and its clinical effects on depression were remarkable. Animal experiments also confirmed that modified Danzhi Xiaoyao powder can significantly improve the depression-like behavior of depression model rats and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the increase of the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine, and norepinephrine, which provides a reference for the further promotion of the clinical application of modified Danzhi Xiaoyao powder in the treatment of depression.