A recent UK scoping review suggests that certain over-the-counter (OTC) supplements may offer “limited but promising” benefits for depression. The review highlighted folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, rhodiola, and lemon balm as ingredients worthy of further study.
Researchers emphasized the need for more rigorous evaluation of herbal supplements as potential adjuncts to antidepressants and psychological therapies.
“This is an interesting review, but the evidence supporting herbal remedies or dietary supplements remains weak,” said Glyn Lewis, professor of epidemiological psychiatry at University College London, who was not involved in the study.
Lewis told Medscape News UK, “Many of the trials are very small, making their results unreliable even when combined. At present, I would not recommend that patients rely on these OTC products for depression. It is better to seek medical advice, which may include non-pharmacological approaches as well as pharmacological treatments.”
Study investigator Rachael Frost, senior lecturer in health and social care at Liverpool John Moores University, noted a key limitation of the review: “We focused on the number of clinical trials available, not their quality.”
