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Natural antidepressants
continued from page 1
Valerian
Depression and anxiety are closely linked and often occur together. Valerian contains a number of unique substances (e.g. valeric acid, valepotriates) that work by raising levels of an inhibitory brain chemical, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), that dampens down the over-stimulation in the brain occurring during anxiety. Valerian can also improve insomnia, which usually accompanies depression. Taking 600mg of a standardised extract of valerian (Sedonium available from behind the counter at pharmacies) half an hour before bedtime improves both the onset and quality of sleep.
5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP)
Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seedpods of the West African plant, griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is derived from an amino acid, tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which helps to lift mood, and is one of the main targets for modern antidepressant drugs.
5-HTP is used to treat insomnia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obesity and attention deficit disorder. Since 5-HTP may cause drowsiness, it should not be used while driving or operating heavy machinery. A typical dose is 100mg to 300mg daily, divided into three doses, for up to three months. If taking any prescribed medicines, consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking this supplement.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba contain a variety of powerful substances, known as ginkgolides and bilobalides that boost blood circulation to the brain. It helps to improve memory and concentration and is also effective for improving depression when it is linked with reduced blood flow to the brain.
In one study, 40 depressed patients, aged from 51 to 78 years old, and who had not benefited from standard antidepressant drugs, were given either 80mg of ginkgo biloba extract three times daily or a placebo. After 8 weeks, those taking ginkgo biloba showed a three fold improvement in their depression score, while those on the placebo became worse.
NB Do not take if you have a blood clotting disorder or if you are on regular warfarin or aspirin treatment.
Depression and anxiety are closely linked and often occur together. Valerian contains a number of unique substances (e.g. valeric acid, valepotriates) that work by raising levels of an inhibitory brain chemical, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), that dampens down the over-stimulation in the brain occurring during anxiety. Valerian can also improve insomnia, which usually accompanies depression. Taking 600mg of a standardised extract of valerian (Sedonium available from behind the counter at pharmacies) half an hour before bedtime improves both the onset and quality of sleep.
Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seedpods of the West African plant, griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is derived from an amino acid, tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which helps to lift mood, and is one of the main targets for modern antidepressant drugs.
5-HTP is used to treat insomnia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obesity and attention deficit disorder. Since 5-HTP may cause drowsiness, it should not be used while driving or operating heavy machinery. A typical dose is 100mg to 300mg daily, divided into three doses, for up to three months. If taking any prescribed medicines, consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking this supplement.
Ginkgo biloba contain a variety of powerful substances, known as ginkgolides and bilobalides that boost blood circulation to the brain. It helps to improve memory and concentration and is also effective for improving depression when it is linked with reduced blood flow to the brain.
In one study, 40 depressed patients, aged from 51 to 78 years old, and who had not benefited from standard antidepressant drugs, were given either 80mg of ginkgo biloba extract three times daily or a placebo. After 8 weeks, those taking ginkgo biloba showed a three fold improvement in their depression score, while those on the placebo became worse.
NB Do not take if you have a blood clotting disorder or if you are on regular warfarin or aspirin treatment.
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Created: 21/01/2004 Updated: 04/10/2007
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