KREO Prevents CUMS ‐Induced Depressive‐Like Behavior via Modulation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway

Chinese Kushui Rose ( Rosa sertata × Rose rugosa ) is widely recognized for its medicinal and edible properties, and Chinese Kushui Rose Essential Oil (KREO) has attracted growing attention due to its potential anxiolytic and sedative‐hypnotic effects. This study aims to systematically evaluate the preventive effects of KREO against depression‐like behaviors and explore its underlying mechanisms. We identified 57 volatile compounds from KREO using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), with the major constituents being citronellol, geraniol, and citronellyl acetate. In mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)‐induced depression, administration of KREO facilitated body weight recovery, alleviated depressive‐like behaviors, and improved voluntary locomotor activity and exploratory behavior. Mechanistic investigations revealed that KREO increased hippocampal levels of serotonin (5‐HT) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), reduced serum corticosterone (Cort) concentrations, and upregulated the expression of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) in the hippocampus. Thus, KREO prevents depression‐like behavior by enhancing monoaminergic neurotransmission and attenuating hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity, with these effects associated with activation of the BDNF signaling pathway. These findings support the potential of KREO as a therapeutic intervention for depression and as a functional dietary ingredient.