Patient description: The patient is a 47-year-old Asian woman complaining of persistent feelings of sadness. She lost interest in activities she used to enjoy. She states that her mood is mostly depressed for the past 3 weeks. She also lost her appetite , which led to about 5kg weight loss. She complains of loss of energy and feelings of worthlessness nearly every day. She is not using any drugs and she does not smoke. She doesn't drink alcohol. She used to exercise every day for at least 30 min. But she doesn't have enough energy to do so for the past 3 weeks. She also has some digestive issues recently. She is married and has 4 children. She is menopausal. Her husband was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and he is starting his chemotherapy. There is nothing remarkable in her past medical history and her drug history is only positive for Vit D3 1000 units daily. Her family history is negative for any psychologic problems. Her HAM-D score is 20.

Clinical trial eligibility criteria: eligible ages (years): 18.0-65.0,  Major Depressive Disorder Written informed consent from the participant has been obtained prior to any study-related procedures Meet DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). for MDD (based on confirmation from the modified SCID), with a current major depressive episode of at least 8 weeks and not exceeding 18 months in duration at Visit 1 Have a negative serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) pregnancy test at screening (Visit 1) if a WOCBP (Women of Childbearing Potential) Female participants willing to minimize the risk of becoming pregnancy for the duration of the clinical study and follow-up period. A female participant is eligible to participate if she is not pregnant, not breastfeeding, and at least one of the following conditions applies Not a WOCBP (Women of Childbearing Potential). OR A WOCBP (Women of Childbearing Potential). who agrees to follow the contraceptive guidance in during the treatment period and for at least 4 to 5 weeks after the last dose of study treatment Male participants willing to minimize the risk of inducing pregnancy for the duration of the clinical study and follow-up period. A male participant must agree to use contraception during the treatment period and for at least 10 weeks after the last dose of study treatment and refrain from donating sperm during this period Able, as assessed by the investigator, and willing to follow study instructions and likely to complete all required study visits  Psychiatric and Treatment-Related DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) based diagnosis of any disorder other than MDD that was the primary focus of treatment within 6 months before Visit 1. Comorbid generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias are acceptable provided they play a secondary role in the balance of symptoms and are not the primary driver of treatment decisions Lifetime history of meeting DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition)criteria for Schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder Bipolar or related disorder Major neurocognitive disorder Neurodevelopmental disorder of greater than mild severity or of a severity that impacts the participant's ability to consent, follow study directions, or otherwise safely participate in the study Dissociative disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder MDD with psychotic features