The Role of Natural Products in Treatment of Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric syndromes that, if left untreated, can cause many disturbances in a person's functions. Numerous factors are involved in depression, including inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), GABAergic system, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) Axis, monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, and dopamine). Common treatments for depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, but these drugs have several side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and sexual dysfunctions. These agents only reduce the symptoms and temporarily reduce the rate of cognitive impairment associated with depression. As a result, extensive research has recently been conducted on the potential use of antidepressant and sedative herbs. According to the available data, herbs used in traditional medicine can be significantly effective in reducing depression, depressive symptoms and improving patients' performance. The present study provides a summary of biomarkers and therapeutic goals of depression and shows that natural products such as saffron or genipin, have antidepressant effects. Some of the useful natural products and their mechanisms were evaluated. Data on various herbs and natural isolated compounds reported to prevent and reduce depressive symptoms is also discussed.

Management of Long-Term Sores and Ulcers of Breast Cancer Survivors With Chinese Herbal Medicines: A Case Report

“…As these herbs encompass a group of substances that produce a therapeutic effect, multiple pathways and receptors were targeted, plenty of compounds were involved, which acted synergistically to improve cancer-related symptoms, enhance vital energy, and boost immunity. What is more, herbs used in traditional medicine can be significantly effective in reducing depression, depressive symptoms, and improving patients' performance via regulating the HPA axis (31). So as the patient witnessed her wound healing, she became more optimistic.…”

Crocin: Functional characteristics, extraction, food applications and efficacy against brain related disorders

“…Crocin is a natural neuroprotective molecule with anti-depressant properties and potential use in treating neuropsychological problems ( 100 ). Crocin has been discovered to reduce beta-amyloid aggregation, a key step in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.…”