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HKBU discovers new Chinese medicine herbal formula to support mental health
31 Oct 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, challenges such as depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality have become increasingly prevalent. A research team from the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) has discovered that a Chinese herbal formula named DEP-2306 can significantly improve depressive mood, anxiety levels, and sleep quality in patients with Depressive Episodes with Insufficient Symptoms (DEIS) within just four weeks, bringing new possibilities for addressing mental health challenges through a holistic treatment approach.
Clinical study evaluates multi-dimensional efficacy
Reports indicate that about 11% of the global population suffer from DEIS, which negatively impacts one’s quality of life. Led by Dr Danny Yu, Research Assistant Professor, Clinical Division of the SCM, together with Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Associate Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) and Chair Professor, Clinical Division of SCM, the team analysed the clinical data of 67 local DEIS patients aged 18 to 65 who underwent four weeks of treatment with DEP-2306. Using several standardised questionnaires widely employed in clinical settings, including the Patient Health Questionnaire, General Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the study showed significant improvements among the patients. The average score on depression severity dropped from 11.8 to 6.7, while that of anxiety levels decreased from 10.6 to 6.0. The average score on sleep quality also improved from 10.3 to 7.9, and about 40% of participants experienced remission with a significant reduction in symptoms. The findings were published in the academic journal Stress and Health, highlighting the potential of Chinese medicine in mental health and providing an effective alternative treatment for this global public health challenge.
"Holistic treatment" approach supports mental wellness
In Chinese medicine theory, emotional illnesses result from the disorder of the seven emotions and imbalances of the five internal organs. The holistic treatment approach aims to improve both psychological and physiological health. DEP-2306’s core ingredients include Curcumae Radix (鬱金), Paeoniae Radix Alba (白芍), Triticum aestivum (浮小麥), and Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma (刺五加), which work synergistically to “soothe the liver” to alleviate depression, “calm the spirit” to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, and “boost energy” to relieve fatigue. This formula thus addresses both psychological and physical symptoms simultaneously. Professor Bian shares, “Individuals with mild depressive symptoms may be unable or reluctant to seek conventional psychological or pharmacological treatments because of insufficient supply of and the social stigma associated with these services. The research offers hope for identifying an effective, safe and timely alternative treatment for DEIS with less social stigma and helps society to respond to mental health issues as a salient public health challenge.”
From research to community practice
The research team’s findings are currently benefiting patients in the Jockey Club Traditional Chinese Medicine-driven Mental Wellness Project, which aims to provide free Chinese medicine treatment and counseling services to 5,000 participants with sleep and common mental disorders. Dr Yu emphasises, “We are committed to advancing the application of Chinese medicine in mental health care to benefit the wider community, as well as promoting the standardisation and internationalisation of Chinese medicine. The research team will continue to gather related clinical data before the Project’s conclusion in June 2026 to support future studies on the clinical application of DEP-2306."