Latest news with #StJohn'sWort
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
The supermarket ‘antidepressant' in your spice rack
Probiotics and vitamin D were more likely than a placebo to reduce depressive symptoms, while most studies found no effects for Omega-3, according to lead author Rachael Frost, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. 'However, St John's Wort and saffron more often showed effects compared to placebo, and similar results to prescription antidepressants,' Frost wrote in an accompanying editorial in Frontiers of Pharmacology. Frost, we should note, is a herbal medicine practitioner herself; the first of many caveats we'll cover on this study. It's not surprising St John's Wort showed a strong effect. A Cochrane review, the gold-standard for scientific evidence, found the flower extract could treat symptoms of depression as effectively as antidepressants back in 2008. Ian Hickie, professor of psychiatry and co-director of health and policy at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, said St John's Wort is known to be pharmacologically similar to a weak SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant medication. 'It should be seen as a 'medicine' and not simply a natural product,' he says. Hickie noted that many of the other natural interventions weighed up in the review were tested on subclinical depression, not the severe illness conventional antidepressants are aimed at, which is important to consider when interpreting the results. The review also didn't analyse the statistical power of each trial's results, which most modern meta-analyses do, and instead simply collated the number of positive and negative experiments on each substance. That doesn't take us far, particularly because most of the trials included in the review had small sample sizes. So where does that leave us with the claim that saffron, alongside St John's Wort, could be as potent as a prescription antidepressant? A narrow evidence base Eighteen studies on saffron were included in the review. Most found the substance improved people's mood and alleviated depression at least as well as conventional medication. But, reading the studies one by one, something caught my eye: at least half were co-authored by the same researcher. Further, all but one of the studies emerged from a small group of research organisations in Iran. That's not surprising; Iran produces 90 per cent of the world's saffron, so naturally the country's scientists would lead experiments on its therapeutic potential. What it does show, however, is that the experimental landscape for saffron is very concentrated. To be confident that a certain new drug or intervention works, ideally, you want labs across many countries running experiments with a range of settings and participants of different ethnicities. It's safe to say the evidence base, as it stands, is narrow. The one study referenced in the paper completed outside of Iran was an Australian one led by Dr Adrian Lopresti, which found saffron extract could help reduce depressive symptoms in people already taking a pharmaceutical antidepressant. Lopresti, who's the managing director of Clinical Trials Australia, also just published a new paper that marks the largest study to date on saffron and mood, with 202 participants. The trial found 72.3 per cent of participants with depressive symptoms (not clinical depression) taking saffron extract significantly improved compared to 54.3 per cent of people on a placebo. Scientists believe saffron could address chemical issues associated with depression, which include problems with neurotransmitters, high inflammatory blood markers, and low levels of antioxidants. 'Saffron is an anti-inflammatory, it's an antioxidant, and it impacts on neurotransmitters too, so it probably works through those different mechanisms,' Lopresti says. Fine print and industry funding But these Australian studies, too, come with a crucial caveat: they were funded by a biotech company that sells saffron supplements. 'I think what you've got to really do is not hedge your bets on just one single study,' Lopresti says when I ask how people should interpret studies funded by industry. 'Has it been replicated across the world with different research organisations?' Loading Jerome Sarris, professor of integrative mental health at the NICM medical research institute, said it's important to note potential conflicts of interest. But they can be managed in placebo-controlled, double-blind studies – where participants and experimenters don't know who's on the placebo – as long as data is analysed independently of industry. 'Of course, read the fine print, look at the conflict of interest and weigh that up in your own mind. But I would also say universities are pretty good in terms of having safeguards around conflict of interest management,' he says. People considering supplements for mood or mental illness should seek professional health advice. Herbs and other supplements can interact with other medications. St John's Wort, for example, can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase in serotonin when combined with some antidepressants.
The Age
2 days ago
- Health
- The Age
The supermarket ‘antidepressant' in your spice rack
Probiotics and vitamin D were more likely than a placebo to reduce depressive symptoms, while most studies found no effects for Omega-3, according to lead author Rachael Frost, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. 'However, St John's Wort and saffron more often showed effects compared to placebo, and similar results to prescription antidepressants,' Frost wrote in an accompanying editorial in Frontiers of Pharmacology. Frost, we should note, is a herbal medicine practitioner herself; the first of many caveats we'll cover on this study. It's not surprising St John's Wort showed a strong effect. A Cochrane review, the gold-standard for scientific evidence, found the flower extract could treat symptoms of depression as effectively as antidepressants back in 2008. Ian Hickie, professor of psychiatry and co-director of health and policy at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, said St John's Wort is known to be pharmacologically similar to a weak SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant medication. 'It should be seen as a 'medicine' and not simply a natural product,' he says. Hickie noted that many of the other natural interventions weighed up in the review were tested on subclinical depression, not the severe illness conventional antidepressants are aimed at, which is important to consider when interpreting the results. The review also didn't analyse the statistical power of each trial's results, which most modern meta-analyses do, and instead simply collated the number of positive and negative experiments on each substance. That doesn't take us far, particularly because most of the trials included in the review had small sample sizes. So where does that leave us with the claim that saffron, alongside St John's Wort, could be as potent as a prescription antidepressant? A narrow evidence base Eighteen studies on saffron were included in the review. Most found the substance improved people's mood and alleviated depression at least as well as conventional medication. But, reading the studies one by one, something caught my eye: at least half were co-authored by the same researcher. Further, all but one of the studies emerged from a small group of research organisations in Iran. That's not surprising; Iran produces 90 per cent of the world's saffron, so naturally the country's scientists would lead experiments on its therapeutic potential. What it does show, however, is that the experimental landscape for saffron is very concentrated. To be confident that a certain new drug or intervention works, ideally, you want labs across many countries running experiments with a range of settings and participants of different ethnicities. It's safe to say the evidence base, as it stands, is narrow. The one study referenced in the paper completed outside of Iran was an Australian one led by Dr Adrian Lopresti, which found saffron extract could help reduce depressive symptoms in people already taking a pharmaceutical antidepressant. Lopresti, who's the managing director of Clinical Trials Australia, also just published a new paper that marks the largest study to date on saffron and mood, with 202 participants. The trial found 72.3 per cent of participants with depressive symptoms (not clinical depression) taking saffron extract significantly improved compared to 54.3 per cent of people on a placebo. Scientists believe saffron could address chemical issues associated with depression, which include problems with neurotransmitters, high inflammatory blood markers, and low levels of antioxidants. 'Saffron is an anti-inflammatory, it's an antioxidant, and it impacts on neurotransmitters too, so it probably works through those different mechanisms,' Lopresti says. Fine print and industry funding But these Australian studies, too, come with a crucial caveat: they were funded by a biotech company that sells saffron supplements. 'I think what you've got to really do is not hedge your bets on just one single study,' Lopresti says when I ask how people should interpret studies funded by industry. 'Has it been replicated across the world with different research organisations?' Loading Jerome Sarris, professor of integrative mental health at the NICM medical research institute, said it's important to note potential conflicts of interest. But they can be managed in placebo-controlled, double-blind studies – where participants and experimenters don't know who's on the placebo – as long as data is analysed independently of industry. 'Of course, read the fine print, look at the conflict of interest and weigh that up in your own mind. But I would also say universities are pretty good in terms of having safeguards around conflict of interest management,' he says. People considering supplements for mood or mental illness should seek professional health advice. Herbs and other supplements can interact with other medications. St John's Wort, for example, can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase in serotonin when combined with some antidepressants.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From saffron to St John's Wort – scientists reveal the supermarket depression treatments that REALLY work
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you experience persistent low mood, you might expect to be prescribed some antidepressants and a course of talking therapy. However, it's becoming increasingly common to try over-the-counter remedies to combat symptoms of depression. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 But do these treatments really work? Dr Rachael Frost, senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, said: "Many of us know someone who struggles with minor or moderate levels of depression, or we may struggle from depressive symptoms ourselves. "Often, we will try many things to help, such as antidepressants, talking therapies, meditation, or exercise. "One common treatment people try is OTC products which are widely available and accessible from supermarkets, pharmacies, health food shops, and online. "Once you start looking into which product might be helpful, the list becomes endless. "This is particularly the case if you read online blogs or look at social media promotion of various products. "How do we know what is evidence-based? What products are effective? Are they safe?" To answer these questions, researchers reviewed studies on 64 different herbal products and dietary supplements available in supermarkets and high street pharmacies. They had been taken by adults aged 18 to 60 for at least one week across 209 clinical trials. Evidence was strongest for St John's Wort and saffron, which "often showed effects similar to prescription antidepressants". Loose Women star opens up about battle with depression saying disorder is 'kicking my a--e and I am so over it' St John's Wort is a plant which increases the activity of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline that are thought to play an important part in regulating our mood. Saffron is a spice known for its bright yellow-orange colour and distinct flavour. It's popular in curries, risottos and stews. It was used for decades in traditional Chinese medicine, then pain relief in the 16th to 19th centuries, and now in some cultures for depression. The trials also suggested that probiotics and vitamin D are more likely to reduce depressive symptoms than a placebo treatment. Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, while vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. Our study has pioneered an exploration into what research is needed to further assess such widely used health care products Dr Rachael Frost Scientists also identified 18 products for which there is "emerging evidence". The most promising were folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, rhodiola, and lemon balm. "Further research into these could help determine whether they can help people with depression," Dr Frost said. Bitter orange, Persian lavender, and chamomile tea also showed positive effects in two trials each. Some trendy products, such as melatonin, magnesium, and curcumin, showed mixed effects on depression across multiple clinical trials. Results were also mixed for cinnamon, echium, vitamin C, and a combination of vitamin D plus calcium. Prebiotics, which support the good bacteria in our gut, and a supplement called SAMe did not seem to be better than a placebo. The majority of trials looking at omega-3s found it did not affect depression. Supermarket depression treatments: a breakdown Best evidence: St John's Wort (from £9 in Boots) Saffron (from £3 in Sainsbury's) Probiotics (from £7.50 in Tesco) Vitamin D (from £4 in Boots) Emerging evidence: Folic acid (from £2.99 in Superdrug) Lavender (from £6 in Waitrose) Zinc (from £1.90 in Asda) Tryptophan (from £9 in Planet Organic) Rhodiola (from £13.50 in Holland & Barrett) Lemon balm (from £2 in Holland & Barrett) Little evidence: Bitter orange Persian lavender Chamomile Melatonin Magnesium Curcumin Cinnamon Echium Vitamin C A combination of vitamin D plus calcium No evidence: Prebiotics SAMe supplements Omega-3s Few products presented safety issues, whether used alone or alongside antidepressants. But the team stressed that patients should speak to their GP before starting any supplements for mental health problems. Dr Frost said: "It's good news that very few safety concerns arose from any of these products, whether they were taken alone or in combination with antidepressants. "However, a healthcare professional should always be consulted on whether a product might interact with something else you are taking. "A higher standard of safety reporting in trials is essential – only 145 (69 per cent) of the examined studies fully reported any side effects from the products. "Overall, what we have is relatively conclusive evidence for some products. "Our study has pioneered an exploration into what research is needed to further assess such widely used health care products." 2 Experts warned anyone considering supplements for depression to speak to their GP first Credit: Getty Professor Stella Chan, from the University of Reading, who was not involved in the study, added: "It is crucially important for readers to understand that this was a narrative review paper, meaning that it was only a summary of the findings reported from existing research papers. "These papers would inevitably vary in terms of their scientific quality, including some that might report biased or misleading findings due to limitations such as small sample sizes and poor designs. "Meta-analyses (that is, analyses that involve combining all existing data into a single dataset) need to be conducted before conclusive statements can be made about the effectiveness of these products. "Additionally, this review paper excluded studies on individuals with more complicated co-morbid conditions. "Individuals with more complex mental health needs should be particularly vigilant and avoid making personal health decisions based solely upon narrative review papers." Depression... the signs to look for and what to do Depression can manifest in many ways. We all feel a bit low from time to time. But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through. They may also struggle to about daily life. Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience: How you might feel Down, upset or tearful Restless, agitated or irritable Guilty, worthless and down on yourself Empty and numb Isolated and unable to relate to other people Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy Angry or frustrated over minor things A sense of unreality No self-confidence or self-esteem Hopeless and despairing Feeling tired all the time How you might act Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy Self-harming or suicidal behaviour Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions Losing interest in sex Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123, jo@ CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@ or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Depression is increasingly common, to the extent that it is sometimes described as an epidemic. In the UK, about 11 per cent of people report mild depressive symptoms, four percent consider them moderate, and three per cent say they are severe. An estimated 8.7million people received antidepressant prescriptions in the UK in 2023/24 - a 2.1 per cent increase on the previous year. It is unclear exactly how many people take OTC products, but the supplement industry as a whole is said to be worth £3.6billion.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
From saffron to St John's Wort – scientists reveal the supermarket depression treatments that REALLY work
IF you experience persistent low mood, you might expect to be prescribed some antidepressants and a course of talking therapy. However, it's becoming increasingly common to try over-the-counter remedies to combat symptoms of depression. Advertisement 2 But do these treatments really work? Dr Rachael Frost, senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, said: "Many of us know someone who struggles with minor or moderate levels of depression, or we may struggle from depressive symptoms ourselves. "Often, we will try many things to help, such as antidepressants, talking therapies, meditation, or exercise. "One common treatment people try is OTC products which are widely available and accessible from supermarkets, pharmacies, health food shops, and online. Advertisement READ MORE ON DEPRESSION "Once you start looking into which product might be helpful, the list becomes endless. "This is particularly the case if you read online blogs or look at social media promotion of various products. "How do we know what is evidence-based? What products are effective? Are they safe?" To answer these questions, researchers reviewed studies on 64 different herbal products and dietary supplements available in supermarkets and high street pharmacies. Advertisement Most read in Health They had been taken by adults aged 18 to 60 for at least one week across 209 clinical trials. Evidence was strongest for St John's Wort and saffron, which "often showed effects similar to prescription antidepressants". Loose Women star opens up about battle with depression saying disorder is 'kicking my a--e and I am so over it' St John's Wort is a plant which increases the activity of brain chemicals such as serotonin and noradrenaline that are thought to play an important part in regulating our mood. Saffron is a spice known for its bright yellow-orange colour and distinct flavour. It's popular in curries, risottos and stews. Advertisement It was used for decades in traditional Chinese medicine, then pain relief in the 16th to 19th centuries, and now in some cultures for The trials also suggested that probiotics and vitamin D are more likely to reduce depressive symptoms than a placebo treatment. Our study has pioneered an exploration into what research is needed to further assess such widely used health care products Dr Rachael Frost Scientists also identified 18 products for which there is "emerging evidence". Advertisement The most promising were folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, rhodiola, and lemon balm. "Further research into these could help determine whether they can help people with depression," Dr Frost said. Bitter orange, Persian lavender, and chamomile tea also showed positive effects in two trials each. Some trendy products, such as melatonin, magnesium, and curcumin, showed mixed effects on depression across multiple clinical trials. Advertisement Results were also mixed for cinnamon, echium, vitamin C, and a combination of vitamin D plus calcium. The majority of trials looking at Supermarket depression treatments: a breakdown Best evidence: St John's Wort (from £9 in Boots) Saffron (from £3 in Sainsbury's) Probiotics (from £7.50 in Tesco) Vitamin D (from £4 in Boots) Emerging evidence: Folic acid (from £2.99 in Superdrug) Lavender (from £6 in Waitrose) Zinc (from £1.90 in Asda) Tryptophan (from £9 in Planet Organic) Rhodiola (from £13.50 in Holland & Barrett) Lemon balm (from £2 in Holland & Barrett) Little evidence: Bitter orange Persian lavender Chamomile Melatonin Magnesium Curcumin Cinnamon Echium Vitamin C A combination of vitamin D plus calcium No evidence: Prebiotics SAMe supplements Omega-3s Few products presented safety issues, whether used alone or alongside antidepressants. Advertisement But the team stressed that patients should speak to their GP before starting any supplements for mental health problems. Dr Frost said: "It's good news that very few safety concerns arose from any of these products, whether they were taken alone or in combination with antidepressants. "However, a healthcare professional should always be consulted on whether a product might interact with something else you are taking. "A higher standard of safety reporting in trials is essential – only 145 (69 per cent) of the examined studies fully reported any side effects from the products. Advertisement "Overall, what we have is relatively conclusive evidence for some products. "Our study has pioneered an exploration into what research is needed to further assess such widely used health care products." 2 Experts warned anyone considering supplements for depression to speak to their GP first Credit: Getty Professor Stella Chan, from the University of Reading, who was not involved in the study, added: "It is crucially important for readers to understand that this was a narrative review paper, meaning that it was only a summary of the findings reported from existing research papers. Advertisement "These papers would inevitably vary in terms of their scientific quality, including some that might report biased or misleading findings due to limitations such as small sample sizes and poor designs. "Meta-analyses (that is, analyses that involve combining all existing data into a single dataset) need to be conducted before conclusive statements can be made about the effectiveness of these products. "Additionally, this review paper excluded studies on individuals with more complicated co-morbid conditions. "Individuals with more complex mental health needs should be particularly vigilant and avoid making personal health decisions based solely upon narrative review papers." Advertisement Depression... the signs to look for and what to do Depression can manifest in many ways. We all feel a bit low from time to time. But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through. They may also struggle to about daily life. Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience: How you might feel Down, upset or tearful Restless, agitated or irritable Guilty, worthless and down on yourself Empty and numb Isolated and unable to relate to other people Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy Angry or frustrated over minor things A sense of unreality No self-confidence or self-esteem Hopeless and despairing Feeling tired all the time How you might act Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy Self-harming or suicidal behaviour Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions Losing interest in sex Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) Shout (for support of all mental health) Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Depression is increasingly common, to the extent that it is sometimes described as an epidemic. In the UK, about 11 per cent of people report mild depressive symptoms, four percent consider them moderate, and three per cent say they are severe. An estimated 8.7million people received antidepressant prescriptions in the UK in 2023/24 - a 2.1 per cent increase on the previous year. It is unclear exactly how many people take OTC products, but the supplement industry as a whole is said to be worth £3.6billion. Advertisement
