Cordyceps militaris and Armillaria mellea formula alleviates depressive behaviors via microglia regulation in an unpredictable chronic mild stress animal model
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 5/16/2024
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Summary
Two medicinal mushrooms, Cordyceps militaris and Armillaria mellea, when combined as a formula, can help reduce depression-like symptoms in stressed animals. The formula works by balancing immune cells in the brain called microglia and restoring normal chemical messenger function. This treatment shows promise as a natural alternative to conventional antidepressants with fewer side effects.
Background
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a significant mental health condition affecting millions worldwide. While Cordyceps militaris (CM) and Armillaria mellea (AM) are medicinal mushrooms with anti-inflammatory properties and potential antidepressant effects, limited knowledge exists about their combined efficacy and mechanisms involving microglia modulation.
Objective
To investigate whether a combined CM-AM formula exhibits antidepressant-like effects in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) animal model and to clarify the mechanism by which the formula modulates activated microglia.
Results
The CM-AM formula effectively prevented UCMS-induced depression-like behaviors including anhedonia and hypoactivity, normalized monoamine turnover rates in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and decreased elevated serum corticosterone levels. The formula alleviated stress-induced microglia activation by downregulating pro-inflammatory proteins and upregulating anti-inflammatory proteins while balancing M1 and M2 microglia populations.
Conclusion
The CM-AM formula demonstrates antidepressant-like effects through neurotransmitter regulation and immunomodulation, suggesting potential as a complementary and alternative therapy for depression management.
- Published in:Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine,
- Study Type:Animal Model Study,
- Source: PMID: 39807265, PMC: PMC11725130