Therapeutic impact of Mongolian Andai therapy on gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles in depression

Introduction Depression remains a leading global health issue, with many patients failing to respond to traditional treatments. Emerging research links depression to gut microbiota dysbiosis, suggesting a role for microbiota-based interventions. This study explores the effects of Mongolian Andai therapy on gut microbiota and metabolites in depressed patients. Methods Twenty patients with depression underwent 8 weeks of Andai therapy. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and blood metabolites were analyzed through metabolomics. Bioinformatic analyses, including PCA and KEGG enrichment, were performed to identify treatment-related changes. Results Andai therapy resulted in significant changes in gut microbiota, including an increase in Proteobacteria and a decrease in Bacteroidota in the improved patients. Metabolomic analysis revealed alterations in pyrimidine and purine metabolism, with key genera such as Escherichia-Shigella and Bacteroides linked to treatment response. Integrated analysis identified microbial-metabolite associations associated with therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion Andai therapy modulates gut microbiota and metabolic pathways related to depression, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment. Larger studies and multi-omics approaches are necessary to explore these mechanisms further.