Si-Ni-San alleviates depression-like behavior via regulating the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-AhR/NF-κB pathway axis

Key Points

• The research aims to explore how Si-Ni-San affects depression-like behavior through gut microbiota and metabolic pathways.
• Utilized SNS as an intervention to assess its effects on depression-like behavior.
• Investigated the role of gut microbiota in tryptophan metabolism.
• Analyzed IAA production and its effects on AhR signaling and NF-κB activation.
• SNS treatment significantly increased IAA production.
• Activated central AhR signaling while suppressing NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation.
• Demonstrated reduced depression-like behavior in the experimental model.