BAI attenuates depression by inhibiting P2X7R and NOX2: Insights from a pharmacological animal study

The present study demonstrated that baicalin produces antidepressant effects in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Following stress (ST) induction, behavioural evaluations such as the forced swim test, tail suspension test, sucrose preference test, and open field test were used to assess BAI's efficacy. Biochemical (BC) analyses further showed that BAI administration increased key neurotransmitter levels while lowering IL-1β, P2X7 receptor, NOX2, and reactive oxygen species expression. Overall, these findings indicate that BAI effectively counteracts CUMS-induced depressive alterations at both behavioural and molecular levels, supporting its potential as an antidepressant candidate.