Astrocytes: Unveiling their role in the molecular mechanism of natural antidepressants

Depression, an emotional disorder characterized by persistent low mood and loss of pleasure, can be alleviated by mainstream clinical drugs (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). However, issues such as delayed efficacy, significant individual differences, and adverse reactions remain. Compared to traditional single-target drugs, natural products have shown unique potential in depression intervention due to their synergistic multi-component effects and multi-target, multi-pathway regulation. As the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, astrocytes are deeply involved in the pathology of depression and have become important targets for the antidepressant effects of natural products. Although existing studies have revealed the regulatory effects of natural products on the function of astrocytes, there is still a lack of systematic categorization and mechanism integration. This review comprehensively summarized the molecular mechanisms by which natural products regulated astrocyte function through a systematic literature review, objectively analyzes key bottlenecks in current translational research, and aims to provide a theoretical basis and technical pathway for optimizing depression treatment paradigms and promoting the clinical translation of natural product research.