Supplements and Herbs for Depression

In recent years, a number of clinical studies and research have been performed regarding the use of herbal supplements for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and other psychological and emotional disorders. Following is a brief summary of some of the most widely studied and utilized supplements which have been used for depression.

St. Johns Wort (Hyperforin and Hypericin)

St. Johns Wort is the most popular natural herbal supplement on the market which is used for mood enhancement. The active phytochemicals in St. John's Wort, called hyperforin and hypericin, are thought to be integral to its anti-depressive effects. An analysis of the numerous clinical studies involving hundreds of participants indicates that St. Johns Wort may be effective in aiding to alleviate depressed mood and smooth out mood fluctuations by helping to maintain the balance of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is well-known for its sedative and calming effects on the central nervous system and is widely utilized as a calming agent to help relieve headaches, feelings of anxiety and difficulty falling asleep.

According to a number of clinical studies, the results from using Valerian for one day to one month are mild sedation and lessened feelings of anxiety and nervousness, as well as better overall sleep quality. The calming effect on the central nervous system is primarily ascribed to the valepotriate and sesquiterpene components of the root.

5-HTP

An early large-scale clinical study regarding the use of 5-HTP for depression was done in 1972. Participants who suffered from both unipolar and bipolar depression took oral dosages of 5HTP from 50 mg to 300 mg each day. Substantial improvement of symptoms was seen in nearly 70% of participants and no substantial side effects were observed. The response rate of most of the participants who took 5-HTP was very fast and improvements were seen in under two weeks.

This study has been backed by additional clinical studies since then that have shown 5-HTP to be an effective alternate treatment for depression.

Rhodiola Rosea (Arctic Root)

Rhodiola rosea is noted for its adaptogenic properties in Russia, Europe, and Scandinavia. Recent research has shown that rhodiola raises the body's resistance level to emotional and physical stress. In a number of pre-clinical studies, Rhodiola was discovered to bolster the healthy function of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and GABA, a function which may be responsible for aiding in the reduction of anxiety, mental fatigue and depression in people who take the herb on a regular basis.

SAM-e

Research indicates that SAM-e crosses the blood-brain barrier and may inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing how much is available to central nervous system. Researchers think that this could be the primary mechanism of action SAM-e utilizes for stabilizing mood. Clinical research has suggested that SAM-e could start working in as little as one week and a review of over twenty clinical trials discovered that SAM-e's effects on mood are statistically significant compared to a placebo.

Bacopa

Bacopa is widely known to have a calming effect and may relieve feelings of nervousness, stress and anxiety. Clinical trials have also suggested that Bacopa may significantly help insomnia, headaches, and mental fatigue.

Bacopa may aid in bolstering retaining new information, logical memory, and other types of cognitive function.

Ginseng

Research has investigated the potential benefits of ginseng. While further research data is still required, a 2002 study monitored participants who ingested daily doses of ginseng over eight weeks. After four weeks of taking ginseng, the study discovered that participant scores improved regarding both social functioning and mental health.

Ginseng may aid in improving cognitive function related to arithmetic, memory, cognitive speed, and accuracy. In a research study regarding children, ginseng used in a combinedtherapy resulted in lowered hyperactive-impulsivity scores in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Kava Kava

Kava Root's calming effects have been compared to standard sedatives because of its unique action on the central nervous system. Kava Kava is absorbed very rapidly by the body, which results in a fast-acting natural sedation, making Kava one of the most widely used herbal supplements.

An analysis of reserach discovered that Kava Kava is more effective than a placebo for reducing symptoms of anxiety and also suggested that Kava Kava was as effective in reducing generalized anxiety as the widely-used prescription medication Buspirone.

For more information, see Herbs and Supplements for Depression (HealthLine).