---
title: Does Shuyu Capsule help with premenstrual depression? | Niyora
description: In laboratory studies with rats, Shuyu Capsule reduced depression symptoms by working through the progesterone-allopregnanolone-GABA pathway in the brain. It
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/shuyu-capsule-alleviates-premenstrual-depression-via-allopregnanolone-metabolic-2023/
---

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- Does Shuyu Capsule help with premenstrual depression?

Lab study, 2023

# Does Shuyu Capsule help with premenstrual depression?

In laboratory studies with rats, Shuyu Capsule reduced depression symptoms by working through the progesterone-allopregnanolone-GABA pathway in the brain. It is not known whether this would help women with premenstrual depression.

 Early or limited evidence

Laboratory female rats with experimentally induced premenstrual depression

## What they did

Researchers created rats with depression-like symptoms matching premenstrual depression using a forced swimming test. Some rats were given Shuyu Capsule. Researchers measured depression behavior and examined how hormone pathways and brain receptors changed.

## What they found

Shuyu Capsule reduced typical premenstrual depression symptoms in the rats. The capsule worked by enhancing how the body converts progesterone to allopregnanolone and by affecting the GABA A delta receptor in the brain's hippocampus.

## What it means for you

This is an animal study showing a possible mechanism by which the capsule might work. It does not demonstrate that the capsule helps women with premenstrual depression or provide information about dose or side effects. Human testing is needed.

## About the study

Original title Shuyu capsule alleviates premenstrual depression via allopregnanolone metabolic pathway targeting GABA (A) receptors δ subunit in the hippocampus Authors Zhang H, Qiao M, Gao D et al. Journal Asian journal of psychiatry Year 2023 Study design Lab study What was tested Shuyu Capsule treatment Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103800](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103800)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

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