[Mechanism and characteristics of Epimedii Folium and its compound preparations in treatment of depression]

Depression is a common mental disorder in clinical practice, and its clinical manifestations can be classified under the category of ″Yubing″ in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). According to TCM theory, the onset of depression is closely related to emotional imbalance, disharmony of Qi and blood, and dysfunction of internal organs. Among them, deficiency of kidney Yang syndrome is one of the important syndromes of depression. Modern research shows that the pathogenesis of depression is complex, involving hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and other mechanisms. Epimedii Folium is a classic TCM for tonifying Yang, first recorded in the Shennong's Classic Materia Medica. It has the functions of tonifying kidney Yang and dispelling rheumatism. Its bioactive components are complex, mainly including flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids, which exert pharmacological effects such as neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-tumor, and anti-osteoporosis activities. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of Epimedii Folium in the treatment of depression. Studies have shown that Epimedii Folium can exert antidepressant effects by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters and the function of the HPA axis, reducing inflammatory responses, and alleviating oxidative stress. In addition, Epimedii Folium can promote the expression of neurotrophic factors and improve synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons, thereby achieving antidepressant efficacy. Based on existing research, this article systematically summarized the chemical components of Epimedii Folium and reviewed the mechanism underlying its antidepressant effects, as well as those of its compound preparations, particularly in relation to HPA axis regulation and anti-inflammatory responses. These findings provide a more solid scientific basis for studying the pathogenesis of depression from multiple perspectives, improving the prevention and treatment of depression, and developing new drugs.