Depression is a prevalent mental disorder characterized by high incidence and recurrence rates,significantly impacting health and quality of life of patients.The underlying pathological mechanisms of depression are multifaceted,with abnormal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling recognized as a key factor in its onset and progression.Research indicates that the BDNF signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity,with its activation contributing to antidepressant effects.Although conventional western antidepressants remain the primary treatment for depression,they exhibit notable limitations despite their efficacy.In recent years,there has been increasing attention to the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of depression.Active components in Chinese herbs,herbal formulas,and acupuncture therapies exert their effects through multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway mechanisms.These interventions effectively modulate the BDNF signaling pathway and the expression of related molecules,influencing neurobiological processes such as neurogenesis,synaptic plasticity,neuroinflammation,and oxidative stress.Ultimately,they produce antidepressant effects while compensating for the limitations of conventional antidepressants.Based on systematic literature review,this article explores the relationship between BDNF and its signaling pathway with depression,and summarizes the role of TCM in this context.The study aims to provide a scientific basis for the theoretical research on TCM in the prevention and treatment of depression and to offer insights and references for the development of novel anti-depressant TCM drugs.