Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger between nerve cells, that is found in the brain and throughout the body. It has a wide variety of functions, including control of digestion, appetite, pain, sleep cycles, aggression and mood. The effect of serotonin on mood is particularly pronounced, with low levels of synaptic serotonin contributing to clinical depression in most models of the disease. Many over-the-counter supplements are believed to increase levels of synaptic serotonin. However, as many of them can interact with other medications, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a popular supplement for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. University of Maryland Medical Center experts say most studies concur that it is as effective as some prescription antidepressants. It is believed to raise serum serotonin levels through the selective serotonin reuptake-inhibiting activity of several of its constituents, particularly hypericin. Unlike other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, St. John's wort does not appear to decrease libido. Unfortunately, its similarity to pharmaceutical anti-depressants makes it dangerous to combine with them, risking the development of serotonin syndrome.
5-HTP
5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a hormonal precursor to serotonin produced within the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some small studies have indicated that supplemental 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild or moderate depression. Unlike the class of antidepressants known as SSRIs, 5-HTP does not inhibit neurons from re-absorbing serotonin. Instead, 5-HTP simply provides the body with more of the basic building blocks required to make more serotonin. In a study cited by the University of Maryland, it was found that those who were given 5-HTP did just as well as those who received the SSRI fluvoxamine with fewer side effects. However, more studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether or not 5-HTP effectively raises synaptic serotonin levels.
SAM-e
Discovered in 1953, SAM-e or s-adenosyl l-methionine is a member of a strange class of supplements that act as methylation promoters. The body manufactures SAM-e from adenosine triphosphate and methionine in the liver, which according to Sloan-Kettering may facilitate the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. SAMe works as a primary methyl group donor in chemical reactions that take place throughout the body, after which it is converted to S-adenosyl homocysteine. Although it is commonly used for arthritis pain and liver cholestasis, it has also been used for decades as an anti-depressant. Mayo Clinic experts give SAM-e a B rating as to evidential support for its efficacy in treating arthritis pain but would like to see additional well-constructed, long-term studies before giving SAM-e a strong endorsement as an effective treatment for depression. SAM-e must be taken for at least two weeks before it begins to be effective.
Rhodiola Rosaea
Rhodiola rosaea is a Siberian flower that has recently begun to enjoy popularity as a supplement for the treatment of depression in North America, although it has been researched in Russia and China for decades. A recent controlled study at the Zhongshan School of Medicine indicated that depressive rats given a low-potency extract of Rhodiola rosaea replenished their depleted serotonin levels. The mechanism of action of this plant is not well understood, nor have there been adequate studies yet to determine its efficacy.
References
- Mayo Clinic; SAMe; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; St. John's Wort; February 2009
- Unviersity of Maryland Medical Center; 5-HTP; March 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Serotonin Syndrome; 2010
- "Phytomedicine"; The Effects of Rhodiola Rosea Extract on 5-HT Level, Cell Proliferation and Quantity of Neurons at Cerebral Hippocampus of Depressive Rats; Q.G. Chen et al.; July 2009
- "Sloan Kettering"; SAM-e; August 2010
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