To combat depression, several recommendations are commonly made: clear your mind, sleep better, avoid alcohol, cut down on coffee, etc. But many also recommend so-called natural treatments, the popularity of which is partly explained by the fact that these products are easily accessible, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (NCCIH), an agency of the American government, pointed out in 2021. In fact, as early as 2017, a study carried out in the United States concluded that nearly 40% of adults suffering from “moderate mental distress” had used alternative and complementary medicines in the last 12 months.
Several sites (here and here) as well as shops promote “natural antidepressants”. For example, allergist Pierrick Hordé states in the French online magazine Le Journal des femmes that “particularly effective natural alternatives, without side effects, exist in the treatment of temporary depression, or even moderate to moderate depression”.
The belief is also fueled by the temptation among some people suffering from depressive symptoms to treat themselves rather than consult a professional.
Little research
The use of “natural antidepressants” is, however, far from achieving consensus in the scientific community.
That’s because most natural health products haven’t been rigorously studied, the NCCIH pointed out in 2021. Those that have include St. John’s wort, omega-3 supplements, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), and saffron. There’s also some data on L-methylfolate.
St. John’s Wort : It is one of the best-documented natural health products for treating depression, American researchers who were interested in integrative treatments to treat major depression pointed out in 2021. It would act directly on serotonin receptors, Canadian researchers added in 2016 in an article on clinical guidelines for treating depression. A meta-analysis carried out in the United States the same year concluded that St. John’s wort was superior to placebo in treating mild or moderate depression and that it was as effective as conventional antidepressants. According to the American authors, it can therefore be considered a first-line remedy.
Omega-3 supplements. (123RF, Yuliya Shangareeva /123RF, Yuliya Shangareeva)
Omega-3 : These are polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body does not synthesize itself. As the authors of a meta-analysis explained in 2020, they would influence the activity of neurotransmitters and the inflammatory process. Some studies have shown that people with major depression have lower levels of omega-3. However, another meta-analysis carried out in 2021 concluded that there was not enough quality data to determine the effectiveness of omega-3 supplements.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe): It is a derivative of methionine naturally present in the brain, explained Canadian researchers in 2016. This substance would play a role in certain biochemical mechanisms associated with depression, added the authors of a systematic review published in 2020. Data support its use as a complementary treatment, but the situation is less clear for its use alone, noted American scientists in 2021.
Saffron : The antidepressant effect of saffron would be through the regulation of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, explained American researchers in 2021. A meta-analysis carried out in 2020 showed that saffron was more effective than a placebo and as effective as traditional antidepressants. According to the authors, it would be an alternative treatment to consider for mild or moderate depression.
L-methylfolate : This active form of folate is involved in the production of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Because folate levels are low in some people with mental health issues, L-methylfolate could be considered an adjunct to antidepressants. The FDA has approved it for the treatment of depression, the National Alliance on Mental Health notes on its website. However, studies have been small and heterogeneous, noted the authors of a meta-analysis published in 2015.
Risks
In Canada, Section 3 of the Food and Drugs Act prohibits natural health products or over-the-counter medications from making claims on their labels that they can treat depression. In the United States, none of these products are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depressive symptoms.
It should be remembered that “natural” is not synonymous with safe. Several natural health products carry a risk when they interact with medications, the NIMH recalled in 2024. For example, the combination of St. John’s wort with antidepressants can cause dangerous side effects and even provoke psychosis, according to the NIMH. S-adenosylmethionine can trigger manic episodes in bipolar people, added the authors of the meta-analysis carried out in 2020.
Finally, in a text on St. John’s wort, the NCCIH emphasizes that depression is a serious illness. A person who feels depressed should consult a professional and not try to treat themselves.
Verdict
Some natural products may have an effect on depressive symptoms. However, there is insufficient research to recommend them as a treatment, except in rare cases. In addition, these products can cause serious side effects, especially when interacting with medications.
