Alleviating depression symptoms through natural means: A look at potential natural cures.
In a comprehensive review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers from University College London have delved into the need for further assessment of widely used over-the-counter (OTC) health care products for their potential in alleviating depressive symptoms.
The study, which sifted through 209 clinical trials spanning 64 different OTC products, aimed to address the growing concern that depression is increasingly common and often treated with various methods, including OTC products. According to researcher Rachael Frost, "While many herbal and dietary supplements are popular and widely accessible, only a minority have solid clinical evidence supporting their efficacy for depression."
The review, using a scoping approach, mapped what's been studied, including trial size, participant criteria, blinding, comparators, and safety outcomes. The findings reveal that only a few products have promising effects in reducing depressive symptoms, with generally good safety profiles reported.
St John's Wort, Saffron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Probiotics, and Vitamin D have shown the strongest current evidence for reducing depressive symptoms in adults. Products like Folic acid, Lavender, Zinc, Tryptophan, Rhodiola, and Lemon balm show promising but less conclusive data.
However, it's essential to note that more rigorous research is still needed, especially to understand optimal dosages and product quality. The current evidence mainly covers adults aged 18–60, and supplements should not replace conventional treatments but may serve as adjuncts. Clinical trial quality and sample sizes vary; some products have only a single trial as evidence.
Safety concerns are generally minimal, but better reporting is needed. Ginseng, gingko, lime flowers, orange blossom, and peppermint are other commonly used herbal medicines for depressive symptoms, but no studies have evaluated these products.
Probiotics and vitamin D also showed promising results compared to placebo. Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and echium are commonly consumed products with an emerging evidence base and are recommended for further study.
Melatonin, magnesium, curcumin, cinnamon, echium, vitamin C, and vitamin D plus calcium showed mixed or inconclusive effects. The study mapped the trials by product type, effectiveness findings, and safety reports, offering a broad "research landscape" rather than zeroing in on just a few supplements.
In conclusion, while St John's Wort, saffron, omega-3s, probiotics, and vitamin D have the strongest current evidence for reducing depressive symptoms in adults, more research is needed to confirm their safety and benefits. Consumers are advised to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement for depression.
[1] Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025). [Title of the paper] [2] University College London (2025). News release on the study. [3] Frost, R. (2025). Personal communication. [4] Additional resources can be found at [website link]. [5] For more information on the study's methodology, visit [website link].
- The study, which analyzed various over-the-counter health and wellness products, found that supplements like St John's Wort, Saffron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Probiotics, and Vitamin D hold the strongest current evidence for alleviating depressive symptoms, but more rigorous research is needed to confirm their safety and benefits.
- Some mental health supplements, such as Folic acid, Lavender, Zinc, Tryptophan, Rhodiola, and Lemon balm, showed promising but less conclusive data in reducing depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for further assessment in the field of science and nutrition.
