Key flavonoids (baicalin, baicalein, wogonin) bind to the benzodiazepine site on GABAAA​ receptors, enhancing inhibitory signaling. In preclinical and receptor-binding studies, this GABAergic modulation is associated with anxiolytic-like effects and calmer arousal states, which can coexist with low mood.

Reishi polysaccharides and triterpenes have been reported to: (1) modulate HPA-axis stress signaling, (2) reduce neuroinflammation, and (3) upregulate neurotrophic pathways (e.g., BDNF/CREB) in animal and cellular models, all trends linked to improved affect and stress resilience in preclinical depression paradigms.

Blue lotus has been reported to contain aporphine-class alkaloids (e.g., apomorphine; sometimes nuciferine is detected), a scaffold known to interact with dopamine and serotonin receptors. Such interactions could influence reward/affect circuits; however, alkaloid content varies across products and robust human data are limited.