KREO Prevents CUMS-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior via Modulation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway

Chinese Kushui Rose (Rosa sertata × Rose rugosa) is widely recognized for its medicinal and edible properties, and Chinese Kushui Rose Essential Oil (KREO) has attracted growing attention due to its potential anxiolytic and sedative-hypnotic effects. This study aims to systematically evaluate the preventive effects of KREO against depression-like behaviors and explore its underlying mechanisms. We identified 57 volatile compounds from KREO using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with the major constituents being citronellol, geraniol, and citronellyl acetate. In mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression, administration of KREO facilitated body weight recovery, alleviated depressive-like behaviors, and improved voluntary locomotor activity and exploratory behavior. Mechanistic investigations revealed that KREO increased hippocampal levels of serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), reduced serum corticosterone (Cort) concentrations, and upregulated the expression of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the hippocampus. Thus, KREO prevents depression-like behavior by enhancing monoaminergic neurotransmission and attenuating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, with these effects associated with activation of the BDNF signaling pathway. These findings support the potential of KREO as a therapeutic intervention for depression and as a functional dietary ingredient.