Khaberni - In a discovery that reconsiders the effectiveness of traditional medicine, a recent study published in the journal «General Psychiatry» revealed that the ancient Chinese pill "Yueju", which has been used for over 800 years in treating depression and anxiety, might be more effective than modern medications in some cases, especially for patients with severe depressive disorder (MDD) affecting more than 21 million Americans.
Ancient Chinese Medicine
"Yueju" formula dates back to classical Chinese medicine texts, where it is considered a traditional treatment that works by restoring the flow of "Qi" (vital energy) and balancing emotional and physiological systems in the body.
The pill is composed of 5 main herbs: Cyperus (xiang fu), Ligusticum (chuan xiong), Gardenia (zhi zi), Atractylodes (cang zhu), and Bupleurum (chai hu), and these ingredients work together to regulate mood, improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate fatigue and digestive disorders associated with stress.
Chinese Medicine for Depression
According to the "Daily Mail", the new study was conducted by Chinese researchers at the Fourth People's Hospital in Taizhou, where 28 patients suffering from depression participated. The participants were divided into two groups: the first received "Yueju" with a placebo instead of Escitalopram (known as Lexapro or Cipralex in America), and the second received Escitalopram with a placebo instead of "Yueju".
The researchers monitored changes using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), along with blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Both groups showed improvement in depression symptoms, but the "Yueju" group recorded a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is associated with mood regulation and brain health, by an average of 20.5%.
The magnetic resonance images also revealed brain network patterns – particularly those responsible for processing vision – that accurately predict improvements in depression and BDNF changes in "Yueju" users.
Dr. Yuquan Zhang, the lead researcher of the study, said, "These brain networks can be incorporated into predictive models to build accurate predictions of patient responses to Yueju treatment, helping to determine whether a patient is suitable for this treatment or not."
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 8.2% of American adults (approximately 21.4 million people) experienced a major depressive episode during the year 2024.
Other Symptoms of Depression
Depression goes beyond just feeling sad, including symptoms like persistent sad mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, insomnia or oversleeping, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, and in some cases, recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first line of treatment, where sertraline (Zoloft) leads the list of most frequently prescribed medications at 16.7% of prescriptions in 2023, while about 9 million Americans take Escitalopram (Lexapro). However, about one-third of patients fail to respond to the first drug, highlighting the urgent need for alternative options.
The economic burden of major depressive disorder in America is estimated at about $333.7 billion annually, according to a 2019 study, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and work absenteeism. "Yueju" appears as a potential option to alleviate this burden, especially with its widespread availability and low cost.
