
What’s more, one review found that saffron supplements had similar effectiveness to antidepressant medication in reducing depressive symptoms ( 8) Two reviews from 2019 found that saffron significantly improved depression severity and was significantly more effective than placebo ( 8, 10). While researchers do not know exactly how this process works, it’s possible that saffron inhibits serotonin reuptake, thereby keeping it in the brain longer ( 8, 9). Studies have observed that saffron increases levels of the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Interestingly, saffron has shown promise as a natural remedy for depression ( 8, 9). Saffron is a brightly colored spice that’s packed with antioxidant compounds, including the carotenoids crocin and crocetin. Pure Encapsulations products are also third-party tested by independent laboratories such as Eurofins, Silliker, and Intertek. The company exceeds standards set by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), an organization that sets strict product-specific standards for supplements. Plus, Pure Encapsulations is a company that takes product quality seriously. The supplement contains 100 mg of rhodiola rosea, standardized to contain 3% rosavins and 1% salidrosides - bioactive components thought to be responsible for rhodiola’s therapeutic effects. If you’re interested in taking a rhodiola supplement, this product from Pure Encapsulations is a great option. What’s more, while rhodiola treatment was less effective than the antidepressant medication Sertraline in one study, it caused many fewer side effects ( 6). Specifically, the herb is thought to benefit people with depression by reducing overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and affecting neurotransmitter receptors and molecular networks ( 3, 4, 5).įor example, studies focusing on adults with depression have found that taking rhodiola daily for 6 or 12 weeks led to clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms ( 6, 7). Rhodiola is an herb that, when taken in supplement form, has been linked to a variety of potential health benefits, including reduced depressive symptoms and an improved stress response ( 3). This article lists 10 supplements that may benefit people with depression.
Depression medication to take as needed professional#
However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement to ensure that the supplement is safe and appropriate for your needs.


In addition, lifestyle modifications, such as making dietary changes and taking certain supplements, may help people recover and reduce the chance of relapse.įor example, some research shows that specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other compounds may provide added benefits in improving depressive symptoms.

However, the actual number is thought to be much higher, considering that many people with depression don’t seek treatment for various reasons ( 1, 2).īelow are the five classifications of depressive disorders, which share features such as sadness, irritability, a feeling of emptiness, and changes in the body and brain that affect daily functioning ( 2): Here’s our process.ĭepression is a mental health condition that affects more than 17 million adults in the United States alone. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest Marc Tran/Stocksy United
