Molecular Mechanism of Antidepressant Effects of Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Role of Autophagy.

In clinical practice, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a kind of Western medicine, are the primary treatment for depression, a complex mental illness. However, these treatments are associated with significant adverse reactions. With their many benefits and distinctive features, such as all-encompassing intervention and general control through several targets, processes, and pathways, the active components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hold great promise for the treatment of depression. Autophagy plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression, and its regulation has emerged as a potentially crucial management tactic. However, comprehensive evaluations of the link between depression and mitochondrial autophagy, as well as the therapeutic potential of TCM's active components, remain limited. This review examined recent literature on autophagy and its role in depression, along with studies on the effects of TCM active ingredients. Furthermore, it highlighted the limitations of current research to offer insights to guide future fundamental studies and clinical treatments for depression.