AUTHOR=Su Dan , Li Qianmin , Lai Xin , Song Yonggui , Li Huizhen , Ai Zhifu , Zhang Qi , Shao Wenxiang , Yang Ming , Zhu Genhua 

TITLE=Sargassum pallidum reduces inflammation to exert antidepressant effect by regulating intestinal microbiome and ERK1/2/P38 signaling pathway

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1424834

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1424834

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p>Immune inflammation is one of the main factors in the pathogenesis of depression. It is an effective and active way to find more safe and effective anti-inflammatory depressant drugs from plant drugs. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of marine plant <italic>Sargassum pallidum (Turn).C.Ag.</italic> (Haihaozi, HHZ) in the prevention and treatment of depression and to explain the related mechanism. Phytochemical analysis showed that alkaloids, terpenes, and organic acids are the main constituents. <italic>In vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic> activity studies showed the anti-neuroinflammatory and antidepressant effect of <italic>Sargassum pallidum</italic>, furthermore, confirmed that 7-Hydroxycoumarin, Scoparone, and Kaurenoic Acid are important plant metabolites in Sargasum pallidum for anti-neuroinflammation. Mechanism exploration showed that inhibition of ERK1/2/p38 inflammatory signaling pathway contributing to the antidepressant effect of <italic>Sargassum pallidum</italic> in reducing intestinal inflammatory levels. This study confirmed the value of <italic>Sargassum pallidum</italic> and its rich plant metabolites in anti-inflammatory depression, providing a new choice for the follow-up research and development of antidepressant drugs.</p>