Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental validation to explore therapeutic targets for alleviating allergic rhinitis with anxiety and depressive behaviors

Allergic rhinitis (AR) represents an inflammatory disorder affecting the nasal mucosa, triggered by exposure to allergens. This pathological process is often followed by olfactory hypofunction and depression. The therapeutic application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is gaining increasing recognition, particularly in the context of treating AR. Although Xiaochaihu Decoction (XCHD) is recognized as a classic formula within the Treatise on Febrile Diseases and exhibits antidepressant properties, its specific function in AR has yet to be elucidated. In vivo, animal experiments confirmed that XCHD ameliorated neuroinflammation in the olfactory bulb based on restoration of the nasal mucosal barrier. Behavioral experiments further verified that XCHD alleviated depression behavior and olfactory impairment in mice. Combined with the molecular docking results and component target screening, the experimental results indicate that XCHD is critical in treating AR and is expected to be a candidate for treating impaired olfactory function and depression.