Natural Products To Fight Depression

Depressive disorders are common, affecting over 21 million Americans each year, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. MayoClinic.com states that natural remedies for depression are not replacements for medication treatments, but sometimes they seem to work well for some people. Four natural remedies that show promise are St. John’s wort, SAMe, omega-3 fatty acids and saffron. MayoClinic.com also includes a disclaimer, stating that more studies are needed to determine effectiveness and potential side effects of natural products.

St. John's wort

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that St. John’s wort is a plant used for centuries for depression and anxiety. They say that studies suggest that St. John’s wort might work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. It is used in Europe as a prescribed drug for depression, but just as a supplement in the United States. There have been over 30 clinical trials performed on St. John’s wort, and it was concluded that it may only have minimal benefits for major depression. However, the analysis also found that it may be beneficial for minor depression. The most common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue and sensitivity to sunlight. St. John’s wort is an herbal product, and can be sold without FDA testing; therefore “natural” does not always mean “safe.”

SAMe

SAMe, or S-adenosyl-Lmethionine, is a natural product and has been found to have antidepressant properties. The "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," or "AJCN," reports that SAMe is involved in the synthesis of various neurotransmitters in the brain, and that a small number of clinical trials have shown that SAMe is superior to a placebo and just as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in reducing depression, and my have a faster onset of action. SAMe is usually well-tolerated; if rare side effects do occur, they can include mild insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth and nausea. The "AJCN" recommends that SAMe should be taken with caution by those who take other medications, as more research is needed to determine interactions and best doses.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A study published in a 2004 issue of “Lipids in Health and Disease” claims that emerging research is finding an association with omega-3 fatty acids and major depressive disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be made by the body, so they must be derived from the diet. Flaxseed, hemp, canola and walnut oils are rich sources of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA, the parent omega-3. This study reports that there is “enough evidence to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in certain cases of depression.” There have been no significant side effects reported over a three-year research study, and supplements are inexpensive. This report shows that more research and larger trials are needed to truly determine efficacy and appropriate dosing for depression treatment.

Saffron

The "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" published a study that found saffron to be as effective as the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Saffron is produced from a tiny lily-like flower blossom called Crocus sativus. Plant extracts have been some of the most promising new drugs for depression treatment, according to this report. The study noted that saffron can have a side effect of increased bleeding due to the inhibition of platelet adhesion.