JCNRJournal of Clinical and Nursing Research2208-36852208-3693Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/jcnr.v10i3.14372ArticleEfficacy of Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction Combined with Escitalopram in Treating Depression and Its Impact on Serum Levels of 5-HT and ACTH https://artdesignp.com/journal/JCNR/10/3/10.26689/jcnr.v10i3.14372LvGuofang,YeYuhong20261032026-04-03Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction combined with Escitalopram (ESC) in treating depression. Methods: A total of 200 patients with depression admitted to the hospital from May 2023 to May 2025 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The experimental group received combined treatment with Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction and ESC, while the control group received ESC monotherapy. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared. Results: The total effective rate of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the total effective rate of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, the cortisol (Cor) level in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group. The HAMD scores after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment were lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) were better in the experimental group than in the control group, and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) score was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined treatment with Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction and ESC for patients with depression can improve clinical efficacy, alleviate TCM syndromes, reduce depressive symptoms, regulate neurotransmitter and hormone secretion, and exhibit high medication safety.

Liu Y, Li L, Zhou M, et al., 2024, Ameliorative Effect of Modified Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction on Hypothalamic Inflammatory Injury in Perimenopausal Depressive Rats by Regulating SDF-1/CXCR4 Axis. Chin Tradit Pat Med, 46(1): 250–255.

Neurology Professional Committee of Chinese Society of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2020, Expert Consensus on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression. Chin J Integr Tradit West Med, 40(2): 141–148.

Lin C, Fang S, Jiang Y, 2024, Clinical Study on Treatment of Depression with Modified Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction Combined with Duloxetine Hydrochloride Enteric-Coated Capsules. J New Chin Med, 56(19): 19–23.

Qi C, Liu X, 2026, Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction Combined with Sertraline and Eszopiclone in Treating Depression with Insomnia. Med Theory Pract, 39(1): 57–59.

Jiang Y, Huang J, An L, et al., 2025, Research Progress on Clinical Application and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction in Treating Depression. Jiangsu J Tradit Chin Med, 57(2): 77–80.

Zhang Z, Zhang G, Zhen L, et al., 2024, Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction Combined with Sertraline in Yin Deficiency and Fire Excess Type Depression. Chin J Clin Doctors, 52(9): 1123–1125.

Guo H, 2026, Effect of Trazodone Combined with Escitalopram Oxalate in Patients with Severe Depression. Chin J Civ Health, 38(3): 107–109.

Su Y, 2026, Effect of Olanzapine Combined with Escitalopram in Patients with Depression. Chin J Civ Health, 38(1): 79–81 + 85.

Li M, Li Y, Li X, et al., 2025, Efficacy and Safety of Guipi Decoction Combined with Escitalopram Oxalate in Mild to Moderate Depression. Shandong J Tradit Chin Med, 44(7): 760–766 + 813.

Guo X, Han H, Wang T, et al., 2025, Efficacy of Escitalopram Oxalate Combined with EEG Biofeedback in Adolescent Depression. J Qingdao Univ Med Ed, 61(4): 588–592.

Zhu X, Han Q, Xia L, et al., 2025, Effects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Combined with Escitalopram Oxalate on Neurotransmitters and Stress Indicators in Post-Hemorrhagic Depression. Chin J Mod Med, 35(20): 71–76.