Herbal Remedies and Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Depression: A Review

Objective: To evaluate herbal remedies and nutritional supplements in the treatment of depression. Methods: A computer-based search of Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO, AMED, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed. Trials were included if they were potential human trials assessing herbal remedies and nutritional supplements in the treatment of depression and utilized validated instruments to assess participant eligibility and clinical endpoints. Selection criteria of the study was decided and taken into consideration.

Results: Trials were identified that met all eligibility requirements. Individual trials investigating Hypericum extract (St John’s Wort), Folate, Polyunsaturated fatty acids, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, Inositol, Ginkgo biloba, Selenium, Ginseng, Chromium and Glutamine were located.

Discussion: Results of the trials are discussed to form the basis of a recommendation. No good quality evidence was identified on which to base a recommendation except for Hypericum used in mild to moderate depression with the potential risk of drug interactions.

Conclusion: A number of herbal remedies and nutritional supplements were reviewed in order to form the basis of a recommendation in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression.