Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs on Depression

Lee, Gihyun; Bae, Hyunsu

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6596241

BioMed Research International

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Abstract Introduction Conclusion Conflicts of Interest Authors’ Contributions Acknowledgments References Copyright Related Articles

Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2017 | Article ID 6596241 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6596241

Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs on Depression

Gihyun Lee^1,2and Hyunsu Bae¹

Academic Editor: Gail B. Mahady

Received14 Dec 2016

Revised22 Mar 2017

Accepted04 Apr 2017

Published19 Apr 2017

Abstract

Background. Depression is a recurrent, common, and potentially life-threatening psychiatric disease related to multiple assignable causes. Although conventional antidepressant therapy can help relieve symptoms of depression and prevent relapse of the illness, complementary therapies are required due to disadvantage of the current therapy such as adverse effects. Moreover, a number of studies have researched adjunctive therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for depression patients. Purpose. One potential complementary method with conventional antidepressants involves the use of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals that provide therapeutic benefits. Studies have revealed beneficial effects of medical herbs and phytochemicals on depression and their central nervous system mechanism. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of phytochemicals and medicinal herbs against depression and describe their detailed mechanisms. Sections. There are two sections, phytochemicals against depression and medical herbs against depression, in this review. Conclusion. Use of phytomedicine may be an alternative option for the treatment of depression in case conventional drugs are not applicable due to their side effects, low effectiveness, or inaccessibility. However, the efficacy and safety of these phytomedicine treatments for depression have to be supported by clinical studies.

1. Introduction

Depression is a recurrent, chronic, and incapacitating psychiatric ailment connected to significant mortality and morbidity [1]. This life-threatening psychic disorder is one of the most crucial reasons of disability in adults. The incidence of depression is about 3–10% in general; however, it is much higher in patients with chronic disorders, ranging between 22 and 46% [2]. Although the exact cause of depression is not known, it is thought to be influenced by the complex interactions of several genetic factors and subsequent wide exposure to environmental variables throughout lifetime. Researchers have been showing that psychological, genetic, and environmental factors remarkably increase the risk of developing this illness. The risk of this disease involves trauma, stress, and viral infections [3]. Environment-gene interplays seem to forecast a person’s risk for the disease better than environment or genes alone. In addition, the childhood adversity may contribute to the disease, especially if epigenetic changes are involved [4, 5]. Structural and functional brain abnormalities seem to be related with abnormal function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glutamate mediated toxicity [6].

There are three major categories in the conventional pharmacological agents for the treatment of depression: the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, the tricyclic antidepressants, and the second-generation antidepressants. MAO inhibitors are chemicals that inhibit the activity of the monoamine oxidase enzyme family. MAO inhibitors including tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and moclobemide are often used as first-line therapy [7]. The MAO inhibitors block norepinephrine and serotonin transporter, which enhances their synaptic c levels and thus increases neurotransmission [8]. Recently, tricyclic antidepressants are being increasingly replaced by new antidepressants, which have fewer adverse effects. The new second-generation antidepressants include the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and the serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Despite the development of those conventional drugs, depression treatment still fails to lead clinical remission in lots of cases [9]. It is explained by the number of interconnected systems related to depression. Moreover, many patients still display intolerant or refractory responses with these drugs [10]. Indeed, use of these agents is limited by unexpected side effects and some of them show contradictive outcomes [11, 12]. Adverse effect of antidepressant drugs involves anxiety, diaphoresis, tachycardia, tremor, sedation, insomnia, serotonin syndrome, parkinsonism, postural hypotension, blurred vision, and so forth [13, 14].

Because of these, many studies have investigated alternative curative approaches that improve clinical results against depression. Phytomedicine is one of the major complementary remedies with conventional drugs. Some phytochemicals/medical herbs have been examined for depression care and there has been a material progress. We conducted an open-ended, English restricted search of MEDLINE (Pubmed) and Scopus for all available articles up until August 31, 2016, using terms pertaining to phytomedicine, phytochemical, herb, depression, and major depressive disorder. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the phytochemicals/herbs and how they can improve symptoms of depression and reduce its occurrence. We also provide their mechanisms of actions.

2. Phytochemicals against Depression

Phytochemicals derived from herbs are known to decrease the risk of some severe disorders including autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases as well as neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, popular polyphenols such as curcumin, ferulic acid, proanthocyanidin, quercetin, and resveratrol have shown potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These phytochemicals repeatedly have demonstrated their neuroprotective effects, strongly suggesting that they can improve the symptoms of depression. The antidepressant activity of these phytochemicals is detailed in Table 1.

2.1. Carvacrol

Carvacrol is a monoterpenic phenol isolated from aromatic herbs including oregano and thyme. This aromatic phytochemical has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiarthritic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties [15]. This monoterpenoid phenol regulates human ion channels transient receptor potential V3 and A1 causing a sensation of warmth [16]. It is also known that carvacrol can activate PPAR and suppress COX-2 mediated inflammation [17]. Dong et al. demonstrated that enzyme cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) is the predominant drug-metabolizing enzyme involved in the metabolism of carvacrol requesting attention when carvacrol is coadministrated with other compounds mainly undergoing CYP2A6-mediated metabolism [18]. Orally administered carvacrol (12.5–50 mg/kg) induces antidepressant effects that seem to be mediated by the dopaminergic brain pathways in mice [19]. Zotti et al. showed that carvacrol administration (12.5 mg/kg, by mouth [PO] for 7 days) can raise 5-HT and dopamine ranges in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex [20].

2.2. Curcumin

Curcumin is a key active constituent of Curcuma longa. This yellow natural phenol has been used historically in Oriental medicine; its potential medicinal properties are under investigation [21]. Curcumin oral administration exhibited low levels in tissues and plasma, rapid metabolism, and extensive rapid excretion [22]. Insolubility in water and nonabsorption are potential factors which limit the bioavailability of curcumin; therefore multiple approaches to increase curcumin bioavailability are ongoing with the use of absorption factors, a structural analogue, liposomes, or nanomaterials [23]. Antidepressant benefit of curcumin supplement has been proven in various murine models. In rats, curcumin administration (1.25–10 mg/kg, PO for 14 days) improved damage in step-down passive avoidance and behavioral abnormalities in the open field. Curcumin treatment, in addition, decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test and completely improved the bilateral olfactory bulbectomy-induced alteration of 5-HT, noradrenaline, and dopamine in the hippocampus [24]. Kulkarni et al. demonstrated that curcumin (20 and 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection [IJ]) administration increases 5-HT level in mice and the antidepressant effect of curcumin can be increased by various kinds of antidepressants including bupropion, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine when given jointly [25]. They also showed that this phytochemical can restore biochemical and behavioral changes induced by the chronic stress [26]. Wang et al. also examined that the antidepressant benefit of curcumin (10 mg/kg, PO) involves 5-HT receptors, specifically 5- and 5- subtypes [27]. Xu et al. again showed that curcumin (10 and 20 mg/kg, PO) can reverse 5- mRNA alteration in rat hippocampus [28]. Additionally, Hurley et al. demonstrated that the antidepressant action of curcumin may be related to the increase of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor closely implicated in the pathophysiology of depression [29].

2.3. Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is phytochemical that is known to have powerful antioxidant capacity [30].

This compound is derived from phenylalanine, which is converted to 4-hydroxycinnamic acid and then caffeic acid and has shown various medicinal actions including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties [31–34]. Yabe et al. found that oral administration of ferulic acid (100 and 250 mg/kg) can mitigate stress-induced abnormal behavior in mouse depression model. Moreover, they demonstrated that ferulic acid can enhance phosphorylation of CREB and brain‐derived neurotropic factor mRNA level in the hippocampus [35].

2.4. L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid discovered as a component of Camellia sinensis (green tea) in 1949. This amino acid has been demonstrated to have various therapeutic benefits including improving concentration and learning ability, enhancing antitumor activity, preventing the vascular diseases, reducing blood pressure, providing antiobesity effect, improving the immune system, and displaying neuroprotection [36]. This behaviourally and physiologically active compound is structurally similar to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and, in accordance, binds to glutamate receptors, though with much lower affinity in comparison [37]. Specifically, it binds to ionotropic glutamate receptors and acts as an antagonist of the AMPA and kainate receptors and as an agonist of the NMDA receptor [38]. L-Theanine have shown effects in the central nervous system, including the potentiation of γ-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and serotonin and inhibition of glutamate reuptake [39]. With potentiation of γ-aminobutyric acid, the brain’s main inhibitory transmitter, L-theanine, may act as a mild anxiolytic. Gomez-Ramirez et al. demonstrated the effect of L-theanine on attentional process. L-Theanine influenced continuous processes accountable for maintaining attention over a period of difficult work rather than on specific moment-to-moment phase deployment processes [40]. Administration of L-theanine (1, 4, and 20 mg/kg for 10 days) exhibited an antidepressant action in mice. In addition, L-theanine treatment markedly blocked ptosis and hypothermia induced by reserpine [41]. In the open-label clinical trial, L-theanine administration (250 mg/day for 8 weeks) was safe and manifested various beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, cognitive impairments, sleep disturbance, and anxiety in patients with depression [42].

2.5. Proanthocyanidins

Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric and polymeric flavan-3-ols found in various plants including apple, cocoa bean, grape, and tea. Researchers have proven that these phytochemicals have extensive pharmacological properties including cardioprotective, antioxidant effect, and antinociceptive effects [43–45]. Xu et al. have demonstrated that proanthocyanidin (25 and 50 mg/kg PO for 7 days) decreases immobility time in both forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice. In addition, proanthocyanidin treatment increased 5-HT concentrations in hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Authors suggest that the antidepressant benefit of proanthocyanidin may be associated with the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems [46].

2.6. Quercetin

Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. This flavonol has been reported to inhibit the oxidation of other molecules by acting as a scavenger of free radicals that are responsible for oxidative chain reactions [47]. Quercetin is a nonspecific protein kinase enzyme inhibitor [48] but it activates estrogen receptors [49]. In preclinical studies, quercetin (20–40 mg/kg, PO) prevented depression-like behaviors resulting from hyperactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in mice. The effect was comparable with fluoxetine (10–20 mg/kg, IP) [50].

2.7. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a type of natural phenol found in grapes and red wine. In a clinical study with oral administration of 500 mg over 13 weeks, resveratrol was measured in cerebrospinal fluid [51]. Although 70% of orally administered resveratrol is absorbed, its bioavailability is around 0.5% because of extensive hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation [52]. One way to overcome this obstacle may be buccal delivery absorbed directly via tissues on the inside of the mouth. When 1 mg of resveratrol in 50 ml 50% alcohol/water solution was retained in the mouth for 1 minute, 37 ng/ml of resveratrol was detected in plasma 2 minutes later. This concentration could be achieved with 250 mg of resveratrol taken in a pill form [53]. Its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects are proven by various researchers [54–57]. Yáñez et al. showed that resveratrol inhibits 5-HT/noradrenaline uptake and MAO activity in rats [58]. Moreover, it is showed that trans-resveratrol (20–80 mg/kg) could provide an antidepressant action, with the enhanced levels of 5-HT/noradrenaline in mouse brain [59]. Recently, Yu et al. also demonstrated that this phytochemical can inhibit chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors. Enhanced levels of 5-HT/dopamine/noradrenaline and decreased MAO activity support the idea that resveratrol interacts with the monoaminergic system for its antidepressant effect [60].

3. Medical Herbs against Depression

Herbal medicine is the most popular complementary therapy [61]. Depression has prominent indications for herbal medicines [62–65] and the majority of people with depression try complementary medicines [66]. Some medicinal herbs have improved the symptoms of depression in preclinical and clinical trials (Table 2). The psychopharmacological effects of these antidepressant herbs involve regulation of 5-HT/dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake, MAO inhibition, and neuroendocrine modulation [67, 68].

3.1. Camellia sinensis (Green Tea)

Leaf of Camellia sinensis is a source of green tea. Green tea has shown anticancer, antifibrotic properties, anti-inflammatory, and antineurodegenerative activities [69]. Recently, preclinical study demonstrated polyphenols (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg PO for 7 days) obtained from Camellia sinensis improved depression-like behavior and decreased serum level of corticosterone. These results suggest that green tea polyphenols can regulate the HPA axis involved in the pathology of depression [70].

3.2. Crocus sativus (Saffron)

Crocus sativus is best known as the spice saffron, which is produced from parts of the flower. In two randomized controlled trials using saffron (30 mg/day), patients exhibited remarkable improvement of depression over placebo on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [71, 72]. They also reported equivalent effects on Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression in three independent randomized controlled trials comparing saffron to imipramine or fluoxetine [73–75]. A limited meta-analysis concluded that saffron supplementation can improve symptoms in patients with depression [76] and another review literature indicated that it helps with mild to moderate depression [77]. Authors propose that saffron’s antidepressant effects potentially are due to its serotonergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and neuroprotective effects. A recent double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial conducted by Mazidi et al. showed that saffron treatment (100 mg/day PO for 12 weeks) had a significant impact in the treatment of depression with rare side effects [78].

3.3. Echium amoenum (Borage)

Echium amoenum is a member of the Borage family that grows in most parts of Europe and in northern parts of Iran. The flower of Echium amoenum is used in alternative medicine as an antifebrile, as an anti-inflammatory, as a possible cancer protective, and as well as an antidepressant agent [79]. To elucidate the effects of Echium amoenum against depression, Sayyah et al. conducted a preliminary randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Results revealed that aqueous extract of Echium amoenum (375 mg/day PO) is superior to placebo in improving the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression at week four of the study, although the difference was not significant at week six () [80].

3.4. Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort)

Hypericum perforatum is the most famous herb that has long been used to treat depression [95]. A number of clinical studies demonstrated that Hypericum perforatum is clinically efficacious for depression [96–106]. A long-term follow-up study recruited 426 responders to Hypericum perforatum extract (3 × 300 mg/day) to be assessed for remission rates. Results showed a beneficial effect of Hypericum perforatum extract for prevention from relapse after recovery from acute depression while long-term maintenance and tolerability in continuation were comparable with placebo [81]. Linde et al. showed that Hypericum perforatum extract is better than placebo in depression patients and is as curative as standard antidepressants but with lesser adverse effects [107]. An authoritative systematic review and meta-analysis have come to almost the same conclusion [108, 109]. Standardization and quality, however, prove difficult for Hypericum perforatum, as extracts show diversity of the potential effects due to unequal component profiles [110] and some clinical studies fail to support the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum in depression [111, 112]. Moreover, Hypericum perforatum’s reputation has been challenged since it is inducer of the enzyme cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), 2C19 (CYP2C19), 3A4 (CYP3A4), and p-glucoprotein and may thus accelerate the metabolism of drugs excreted or biotransformed via these pathways [13, 113]. It was uncovered to stimulate cytochrome P450 enzyme and thus reduce the plasma level of a wide range of conventional drugs including warfarin, voriconazole, verapamil, talinolol, tacrolimus, simvastatin, quazepam, oral contraceptives, omeprazole, nifedipine, midazolam, methadone, mephenytoin, ivabradine, irinotecan, indinavir, imatinib, gliclazide, fexofenadine, erythromycin, digoxin, debrisoquine, ciclosporin, chlorzoxazone, atorvastatin, amitriptyline, and alprazolam [114–116].

3.5. Piper methysticum (Kava)

Root of Piper methysticum has been used for a long time to make a psychoactive drink in the South Pacific region. These days its extract is widely consumed as anxiolytic medicine in the whole world, including Europe and the United States [117]. In 2009, a 3-week double-blind crossover trial involving 60 patients was conducted to examine the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Piper methysticum extract. The study found that the aqueous extract of Piper methysticum (16 g containing 250 mg of kavalactones/day) supplies a remarkable improvement of comorbid depression on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Importantly, the extract did not show any grave side effects or clinical hepatotoxicity suggesting its safety as a drug [82]. However, some manufacturing companies withdrew this medicinal plant because of worry about latent hepatotoxicity [118].

3.6. Rhodiola rosea (Rose Root)

Rhodiola rosea is a biennial flowering plant that has been used as a traditional medicine in some Asian and European countries. Rhodiola rosea has been referred to as a physical and mental booster [119]. In depressive model, Rhodiola rosea extract (1.5–6 g/kg PO) increased 5-HT level in rat hippocampus. In addition, Rhodiola rosea extract induced proliferation of neural stem cell, repairing the damaged neuronal cells in the hippocampus [83]. Mattioli et al. showed antidepressant activity of Rhodiola rosea extract (10–20 mg/kg, PO for 3 weeks) using behavioral tests in rats. Chronic administration of Rhodiola rosea extract strongly inhibited chronic mild stress-induced behavioral and physiological alterations [84]. van Diermen and his coworkers showed that the antidepressant effect of Rhodiola rosea resulted from MAO inhibition [120]. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial using Rhodiola rosea extract (340–680 mg/day) demonstrated a remarkable recovery in Rhodiola rosea-treated group compared with placebo for mild to moderate depression [85].

3.7. Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)

Lavandula angustifolia is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean. The utility of lavender oil involves an antibacterial, antifungal, carminative, sedative, and antidepressant properties [121]. Hritcu et al. reported that chronic lavender oil exposure markedly inhibited depression-like behaviors in rats in forced swimming and elevated plus-maze tests [86]. Hancianu et al. reported neuroprotective benefit of lavender oil through antioxidative effects in a rat dementia model [122]. Kasper and his colleagues have reviewed the data on the effect and tolerability of lavender oil to treat anxiety disorders [123] and the clinical trials examining safety and potential for drug interactions of lavender oil as well as its anxiolytic effect and tolerability. In the clinical trials, lavender oil was devoid of adverse effects except for mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, it did not provoke withdrawal symptoms or drug interactions at doses of 80 or 160 mg daily [124]. They also investigated the anxiolytic efficacy of lavender oil administration for the treatment of anxiety-related restlessness and disturbed sleep. It confirmed the calming and anxiolytic efficacy of lavender oil through randomized and placebo-controlled trial confirms [125]. There are also several reports demonstrating positive effect of lavender in decreasing depressive symptoms. Effati-Daryani et al. studied the effect of lavender cream on depression in pregnancy and demonstrated that the cream can be used for pregnant women to reduce depression [87]. Lavender oil infusion showed several curative benefits on depression patients, essentially decreasing mean depression score [88]. Lavender aromatherapy for 4 weeks improved the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in high risk postpartum woman [89]. I.-S. Lee and G.-J. Lee also reported that aromatherapy using lavender has a beneficial effect on depression in female college students [90]. Complementary therapy of lavender oil with imipramine for the treatment of moderate depression in 45 patients led to improved and faster results. Moreover, the anticholinergic adverse effects of imipramine, including urinary retention and dry mouth, occurred less often when imipramine was administered with lavender [91].

3.8. Nelumbo nucifera

Fruit of Nelumbo nucifera (Nelumbinis semen) has long been used as a natural tranquilizer in Asian countries. Our lab and coworkers have revealed its psychiatric benefits and mechanism on depression. In a rat model of depression, Nelumbinis semen showed antidepressive effects via reversing a decrease in 5- receptor binding [92]; interestingly, its therapeutic effect was greater than Hypericum perforatum—the most popular natural antidepressant today [93]. In the forced swimming test, Nelumbinis semen treatment markedly improved the start latency, rearing number, and grooming time and decreased visiting counts caused by chronic mild stress. During 28 days of administration in dogs and 13 weeks of administration in rats, Nelumbinis semen treatment-linked toxicity was not detected [94].

4. Conclusion

During the last century, scientific knowledge about psychoactive herbs has remarkably progressed. Now it is a common concept that there are powerful neuroprotective phytochemicals in nature. The antidepressive actions of phytochemicals and herbs seem to be associated with various mechanisms including HPA axis, monoamine neurotransmitters, and neurogenesis/neurotrophic factors mechanisms. All these actions appear to involve promotion of the neuronal cell survival and differentiation and inhibition of neuronal cell apoptosis.

As summarized here, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals and medicinal herbs against depression. It is worth recommending application of these phytomedicines as an alternative antidepressant for the patients who do not benefit or do face side effects from conventional drugs. In addition, these phytomedicines could be useful therapeutic agents for the people who live in places where conventional drugs cannot be supplied to or who cannot afford conventional antidepressants as phytomedicines are considerably safe and affordable. Regardless, caution should be taken when patients use phytomedicines since not every natural product is safe. In addition, positive results or safety in animal models does not guarantee a clinical efficacy or safety in humans. Moreover, many medical plants have the potential to interact with prescribed drugs like in case of Hypericum perforatum [126]. Several phytochemicals and medicinal herbs with in vivo and in vitro results have still not been investigated in humans. The efficacy and safety of these phytomedicine treatments for depression have to be supported by clinical studies. Besides, in vitro and in vivo studies are also needed to discover details about their antidepressive mechanisms.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Authors’ Contributions

Gihyun Lee and Hyunsu Bae conceived and designed the study. Gihyun Lee wrote the manuscript. Both authors revised and approved this manuscript.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Convergence of Conventional Medicine and Traditional Korean Medicine R&D program funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare Korea through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (HI15C0214).

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Copyright © 2017 Gihyun Lee and Hyunsu Bae. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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