The antidepressant potential of oral S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine*

Abstract

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring brain metabolite, has previously been found to be effective and tolerated well in parenteral form as a treatment of major depression. To explore the antidepressant potential of oral SAMe, we conducted an open trial in 20 outpatients with major depression, including those with (n = 9) and without (n = 11) prior history of antidepressant nonresponse. The group as a whole significantly improved with oral SAMe: 7 of 11 non-treatment-resistant and 2 of 9 treatment-resistant patients experienced full antidepressant response. Side effects were mild and transient.

Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine in Depressed Postmenopausal Women

“…This significant ef fect is noticeable after 10 days of treatment, confirming previous reports of its rapid anti depressant activity [15]. In this study the de gree of average improvement according to the HAM-D-21 following SAMe treatment ap pears to be less (32%) than expected, based on the findings of previous studies by Rosen baum et al [ 13] and Kagan et al [ 15] (51 and 61 %, respectively). This discrepancy may be accounted for by the uniqueness of this popu lation, as very little is known about rates of response to treatment with antidepressants in postmenopausal women.…”

“…There is evidence that SAMe is an effective antidepressant [12] both by paren teral and oral route. In an open trial with oral SAMe on 20 depressed outpatients, Rosen baum et al [13] observed a significant im provement in mood as well as significant neu roendocrine effects [14]. These findings are consistent with the recent observation by Ka gan et al [15] of SAMe being more effective than placebo in treating depressive symptoms among 15 inpatients with major depression.…”

Pharmacogenetics: Would it be a Reason for the Lack of Potency and Intrinsic Toxicity of Several Natural Medicines?

“…Ginseng root is standardized on content of ginsenosides. Most of the pharmacological effects of ginseng are attributed to ginsenosides [16]. Ginsenosides have been shown to interact with numerous membrane proteins such as ion channels, transporters and receptors, which lead to a broad range of physiological activities.…”

New Pharmacological Agents to Aid Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Harm Reduction: What Has Been Investigated, and What Is in the Pipeline?

“…The first, Sadenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), is proposed to have anti-depressive properties by causing elevations in dopamine and noradrenaline levels and increases in 5-HT turnover [324]. The second, St John's Wort, is proposed to be a treatment for mild depression by a) inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-HT; and b) having affinity for adenosine and GABA receptors [86,325].…”