Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40260589›Full record

ArticleCNS neuroscience & therapeutics2025

Therapeutic Targets and Molecular Mechanisms of Calycosin in the Treatment of Depression: Insights From Chronic Mild Stress Animal Models.

Guowei Gong, Yaqun Liu, Zhenxia Zhang, Yuzhong Zheng

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Guowei GongDepartment of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.ORCID 0000-0002-0991-4103
Yaqun LiuGuangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong, China.
Zhenxia ZhangGuangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong, China.
Yuzhong ZhengGuangdong Key Laboratory for Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, Guangdong, China.

Funding

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Substances in Medicinal Edible Resources and Healthcare Products 2021B1212040015Guizhou Provincial Natural Science Foundation QKHJCMS[2025]366National Natural Science Foundation of China 82160825Professor Project of Hanshan Normal University QD2023312Scientific and Technical Research Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Minority Medicine of Guizhou Province QZYY-2024-004Scientific Projects of Key Disciplines in Guangdong Province 2021ZDJS042Scientific Projects of Key Disciplines in Guangdong Province 2022ZDJS070
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDepression is a complex psychiatric disorder with limited therapeutic options and various side effects. Calycosin, a bioactive compound derived from Astragalus membranaceus, possesses multiple pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of calycosin in chronic mild stress (CMS) animal models of depression and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

methodsThe antidepressant effects of calycosin were assessed in vivo using CMS animal models of depression, including the grooming frequency test, sucrose intake test, tail suspension test, and open field test. Neurogenic effects were evaluated by measuring the levels of BDNF, GDNF, and NGF in isolated hippocampus tissues. The hepatoprotective effects were assessed by measuring liver enzyme levels. The molecular mechanisms underlying calycosin's antidepressant effects were explored in vitro using PC12 cells.

resultsCalycosin exhibited potent antidepressant-like activities in CMS animal models of depression. Treatment with calycosin significantly alleviated depressive symptoms and improved neurogenic effects. Additionally, calycosin displayed hepatoprotective effects by modulating liver enzymes in vitro. The antidepressant effects of calycosin are mediated by the stimulation of the TrkB-MEK-Erk1/2-CREB signaling pathway.

conclusionIn conclusion, calycosin shows promise as a novel therapeutic agent for depression due to its potent antidepressant-like activities and diverse pharmacological properties. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the exact molecular targets of calycosin and to assess its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Indexed as

Antidepressive AgentsDepressionIsoflavonesStress, PsychologicalAnimalsBrain-Derived Neurotrophic FactorDisease Models, AnimalHippocampusMaleMicePC12 CellsRatsRats, Sprague-Dawley7,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavoneAntidepressive AgentsBrain-Derived Neurotrophic FactorIsoflavonesanti‐depressantcalycosinCMS animal modelsdepressionunderlying mechanisms

Identifiers

PMID40260589
PMCPMC12012568

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.