A formulation of combined Poria cocos and Cordyceps militaris rice ameliorates depressive-like effects by downregulating p38 MAPK signaling pathways

Yun Ju Huang, Hsin Yu Wu, Wan Ting Chang, Kuan Hung Lu, Yu En Lin, Huai Syuan Huang, Yun Sheng Lu, Lee Yan Sheen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background and aim: Poria cocos (PC) is traditional Chinese medicine with sedative, diuretic, and tonic properties. Cordyceps militaris rice (CMR) is a matrix used for the solid-state culture of C. militaris, which has been used for anti-angiogenetic and anti-inflammation effects. To investigate a formulation of combined Poria cocos and Cordyceps militaris rice (PC-CMR) alleviates anxiety behaviours and depressive-like effects for the first time. Experimental procedure: After five-week of stress, rats were induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) treated with PC-CMR formulation. Then, rats underwent various behavior tests, testing serum inflammatory mediators by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), evaluated monoamines by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and protein expression by western blotting. Results: Treatment with doses of formulated PC-CMR reversed sucrose preference and increased amount of time spent on the open arms in rat behavioral tests. The formulated PC-CMR significantly reduced glutamate content and turnover rates of serotonin and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of rats. In the inflammation-related pathway, PC-CMR decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in serum and downregulated the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in the prefrontal cortex and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the amygdala. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the formulated PC-CMR could have antidepressive and anxiolytic effects by modulating neurotransmitter levels and reducing inflammation.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - May 16 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Cordyceps militaris rice
  • Depression
  • Inflammation
  • Poria cocos

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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