Investigating the Impact of Medicine and Food Homology Substances on Depression Based on Gut Microbiota

Depression is a common mental disorder, primarily caused by alterations in the function of monoamine neurotransmitters and receptors, neuroendocrine disruptions, as well as inflammation and immune imbalances. Its global incidence has been increasing year by year. Most current antidepressant drugs are associated with prolonged administration and significant side effects. As microorganisms residing in the human gut, disruptions in the gut microbiota can influence the pathogenesis of depression. Medicine and food homology substances, with both therapeutic and nutritional properties, have shown great potential in treating depression. This paper explores how medicine and food homology substances influence the pathogenesis of depression through the modulation of gut microbiota, aiming to provide new insights for depression treatment.