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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
07:58
Behavioral and Network Pharmacology-Based Analyses for the Traditional Mongolian Medicine Zadi-5 in a Rat Model of Depression
Published on: February 24, 2023
484
Phenylpropanoid-rich maize root extract serves as a natural antidepressant
Ting Zhong1, Yunqiang Zhang2, Huiyin Yang1
1State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, PR China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, PR China.
Summary
Maize root extract (EM 2) shows antidepressant effects by protecting against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. It works by suppressing NR2B and activating key signaling pathways, offering potential for depression treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Depression is a major global health concern with high incidence and mortality.
- Excitotoxicity is a key mechanism in depression pathophysiology.
- Maize root extract exhibits neuroprotective properties, but its antidepressant constituents and mechanisms are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify active compounds in maize root extract for neuroprotection.
- Investigate the antidepressant efficacy and mechanism of action of maize root extract in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Isolated and purified 16 maize root extracts, identifying active components of EM 2 using UF-HPLC-QTOF/MS.
- Utilized NMDA-induced excitotoxicity models in SH-SY5Y cells and CUMS mice.
- Assessed cell viability, apoptosis, depressive-like behaviors, and protein expression via Western blotting.
- Employed network pharmacology to explore mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- EM 2 was the most potent extract against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, containing 17 active compounds.
- EM 2 inhibited excitotoxicity in vitro and reduced depressive behaviors in vivo.
- The mechanism involves suppressing NR2B and modulating CREB/TRKB/BDNF, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.
Conclusions:
- Maize root extract (EM 2) demonstrates significant antidepressant potential.
- EM 2 may serve as a therapeutic candidate for depression linked to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity.
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