Treatment depression in Chinese herbal formula(CHFs)

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is attracting increasing attention as a method for meeting the demands for higher remission rate, faster onset, persistent antidepressant action, and fewer adverse effects. TCM is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, and includes Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, Cupping and Tui-Na massage.

Depression is a major mental disorder , and is currently recognized as the second-leading cause of disability worldwide. However, the therapeutic effect of antidepressants remains unsatisfactory. For centuries, Chinese herbal formulas (CHFs) have been widely used in the treatment of depression, achieving better therapeutic effects than placebo and having fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants.

Depression is a common chronic mental health problem, with a global prevalence of 4.4%–5%. It is characterized by a loss of interest in daily activities and feelings of low self-worth, disappointment, sadness, and hopelessness. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013, major depressive disorder (MDD) is the second-leading global cause of years lived with disability. The population-attributable risk for depression and all-cause death is 12.7%, and for depression and suicide it is 11.2%. There are evidences to support the effective and safe use of these CHFs in the treatment of depression.