Exploring the Role of Nutraceuticals in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Rationale, State of the Art and Future Prospects

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and common disorder, with many factors involved in its onset and development. The clinical management of this condition is frequently based on the use of some pharmacological antidepressant agents, together with psychotherapy and other alternatives in most severe cases. However, an important percentage of depressed patients fail to respond to the use of conventional therapies. This has created the urgency of finding novel approaches to help in the clinical management of those individuals. Nutraceuticals are natural compounds contained in food with proven benefits either in health promotion or disease prevention and therapy. A growing interest and economical sources are being placed in the development and understanding of multiple nutraceutical products. Here, we summarize some of the most relevant nutraceutical agents evaluated in preclinical and clinical models of depression. In addition, we will also explore less frequent but interest nutraceutical products which are starting to be tested, also evaluating future roads to cover in order to maximize the benefits of nutraceuticals in MDD.

Key Phytochemicals and Biological Functions of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Against Ischemic Stroke: A Network Pharmacology and Experimental Assessment

“…In this study L-tryptophan and vanillin were detected in brains of Sham and IS mice, while linoleic acid, astragalin, hyperoside and CG detected only in the brains of IS mice. L-tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, is used to improve the mood of healthy individuals (Kikuchi et al, 2021) and depressed individuals (Alvarez-Mon et al, 2021). The significantly decreased L-tryptophan in the brain was reported in acute ischemic stroke (Ormstad et al, 2013).…”

S-Adenosylmethionine, a Promising Antitumor Agent in Oral and Laryngeal Cancer

“…It has been proposed that the antidepressant role of AdoMet could also be related to the stimulatory effect exerted on membrane phospholipid methylation, a process involved in the promotion of the fluidity of neuronal membrane and in the enhancement of its dynamic functions, including induction of monoamine receptors and monoamine transporters and receptor coupling, thus maintaining adequate neurotransmission and preventing depression [45]. On this basis, supplementation with the methyl donor AdoMet has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach in patients with MDD [46].…”

“…In fibromyalgia, a nonarticular rheumatic disorder characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, AdoMet treatment has shown beneficial effects on muscle pain and mood parameters, significantly reducing primary symptom outcomes of pain [46,54].…”

MicroRNAs as Critical Biomarkers of Major Depressive Disorder: A Comprehensive Perspective

“…Finally, and not less important, dietary interventions are of note in all this panorama. Epigenetic modulation and metabolic reprogramming by diet and specifically, treating nutritional deficiencies with nutraceuticals supplementation or specific interventions with certain functional foods denote maximized benefits in patients with MDD [ 13 ]. In vitro and in vivo studies have collected data about dysregulation of miRNAs and the impact of diet on this situation.…”

“…[ 12 ]. In addition, a wide variety of non-medical complementary approaches are being explored in the clinical management of MDD, showing promising results including the use of nutraceuticals [ 13 ], mindfulness-based interventions [ 14 ] physical activity [ 15 ] and sleep interventions [ 16 ]. However, about 1 in 3 patients are considered therapy-resistant patients, and it is difficult to find at proper clinical management of these individuals [ 17 ].…”