The effect of wuling capsule on depression in Type 2 diabetic patients

Depression is a common complication in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, it has long been underrecognized and undertreated. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of Wuling capsule, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on T2DM complicated with depression.

66 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into Wuling capsule treatment group and placebo group, and finally 64 cases finished the present study. The levels of FPG, 2hPG, HbAlc, TNF-α, IL-6, SOD, MDA, Cor, ACTH, HOMA-β, HOMA-IR and ISI of patients were evaluated and compared. The HAMD scale for patients were recorded.

After 12-week treatment, the HAMD scale decreased in both groups, and was lower in Wuling capsule group. The level of FPG in Wuling capsule group was significantly lower than in placebo group; however, no obvious changes of 2hPG and HbA1c were found. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in both groups, and more obviously in Wuling capsule group. The level of SOD was increased while the level of MDA was decreased significantly in both groups, and the changes were more obviously in Wuling capsule group. The levels of Cor and ACTH were significantly decreased in both groups; however, there was no statistically significance between the two groups. Besides, the comparisons of HOMA-β, HOMA-IR and ISI between the two groups were not statistically significant.

Our results suggested that Wuling capsule ameliorated the depression in patients with T2DM, and also improved the state of inflammation and oxidative stress state. These results also strongly indicated the ability of clinical transformation of Wuling capsule in patients with T2DM in the future.