Natural Anxiety & Depression Treatments

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Page Last Updated: January 22, 2009

Picamilon is just GABA bounded to Niacin. Niacin is belongs to the Vitamin-B group family and is a vitamin which is able to penetrate the brain. Niacin is thought to dilate the blood vessels causing an increase in blood flow to the brain. By binding GABA with niacin, GABA would be able to penetrate the brain easily.  GABA in the brain promotes mild relaxation, counteracts anxiety and reduces emotional stress. GABA does this by inhibiting the nerve cells to fire too much. Anxiety is a sign that the nerve cells are overstimulated or are firing too much.

Dosage and Sources:

Picamilon is a synthetic substance that is available over the counter in the US. The typical packaging is 150 mg per capsule.

References:

1.  (Jacob J. Schor, N.D. and Rena A. Bloom, N.D.,“GABA: Gamma-Amino Buytric Acid,” Naturopathic Clinic News. Accessed January 14, 2009.)
2. “Transport of Glutamate and Other Amino Acids at the Blood-Brain Barrier” in The Journal of Nutrition, 2000 April
3. (Braverman, E. Pfeiffer, C. The Healing Nutrients Within. Keats Publishing, New Canaan, Connecticut. 1987).

Last update:  January 18, 2009

Tyrosine is not an essential amino acid because the human body can manufacture tyrosine from Phenylalanine. Tyrosine forms three important neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) that are responsible for memory, mood, appetite and the coordination of muscles. When these neurotransmitters are not in adequate amounts, a person may experience the feeling of nervousness, sadness, irritability and frustration. Studies show that L-tyrosine supplementation helps with anxiety and depression. Tyrosine also helps fight fatigue and irritability.

Effectiveness:

“In light of experimental data showing that the oral administration of tyrosine, precursor of the catecholamine series of neurotransmitters, can increase brain norepinephrine concentrations and activity, we have conducted preliminary trials of tyrosine in depressed outpatients.” ( J Psychiatr Res. 1982-1983;17(2):175-80. Tyrosine for depression.
Gelenberg AJ, Wojcik JD, Gibson CJ, Wurtman RJ.)

Dosage and Sources:

The typical therapeutic dosage for tyrosine used in studies ranges from 7 g to 30 g daily.

References:

1. Neri DF, Wiegmann D, Stanny RR, et al. The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness. Avit Space Environ Med. 1995;66:313-319.
2. Gelenberg AJ, Wojcik JD, Falk WE, et al. Tyrosine for depression: a double-blind trial. J Affect Disord. 1990; 19:125-132.
3. Reimherr FW, Wender PH, Wood RD, et al. An open trial of L-tyrosine in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, residual type. Am J Psychiatry. 1987;144:1071-1073.
4. Wood RD, Reimherr FW, Wender PH, et al. Amino acid precursors for the treatment of attention deficit disorder, residual type. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1985;21:146-149.
5. Gibson C, Gelenberg A. Tyrosine for the treatment of depression. Adv Biol Psychiatry. 1983;10:148-159.

Last update: January 17, 2009

Phenylalanine is a natural amino acid that occurs on food. When you take Phenylalaline together with Vitamin B6 at 500 mg or higher, Phenylalaline can be converted to Phenylethylamine (PEA) which may relieve depression. PEA is the forerunner of norepinephrine and dopamine, low levels of these neurotransmitters may lead to depression. PEA is also the substance that the brain generates whenever someone experience the feeling of love. Phenylalanines can also form norephinephine inside the brain. Norephineprine is important for alertness, memory and learning. Phenylalanine should not be given to people with PKU (Phenylketonuria).

Effectivenes:

“It is concluded that DL-phenylalanine might have substantial antidepresant properties. However, certain methodological considerations still warrant a careful interpretation.” (Arch Psychiatr Nervenkr. 1979 Jul 4;227(1):49-58.)

Dosage and Sources:

DL-phenylalanine can be taken in a dose from 500 to 750 mg. two to three times daily. L-phenylalanine works best for bipolar disorders ( with existing manic and depressive states) in doses of 500 mg. twice daily up to 2–3 grams daily. It should be combined along with 100 mg. of vitamin B6 twice daily. D- and DL-phenylalanine works better for affective depression (lack of positive attitude or emotional enthusiasm for life).

References:

1. McCormick, D.B. 1989. Two interconnected B vitamins: riboflavin and pyridoxine. Physiol. Revs., 69: 1170-98..
2. Insel, TR (2006),Beyond Efficacy: The STAR*D Trial, Am J Psychiatry 163:5-7, January 2006
3. Mitchell, T, (1998) Methylation: A little known but essential process.
4. Werbach,M.R.(1991), NUTRITIONAL INFLUENCES ON MENTAL ILLNESS, Third Line Pres,Inc.,Tarzana,Cal. Chapter on Depression
5. Elson M. Haas M.D. (Excerpted from Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine Published by Celestial Arts)

Last update: January 17, 2009

Methionine is an amino acid that is commonly found in protein foods. Research shows that persons suffering from some forms of anxiety and depression have low methylation. Methylation is an essential process inside the human body where a donor molecule like Methionine gives methyl molecules to other molecules that needs it. The production of neurotransmitters which are responsible for normalizing mood requires the methylation process. A person with low methylation makes fewer serotonin and thus becomes depressed. The action of Methionine is similar to Sam-E because the body can manufacture Sam-E from Methionine. Methionine is several times cheaper than Sam-E, which makes Methionine cost effective when used over long periods of time. Take note that Methionine raises homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is not good for your heart but you can lower the homocysteine levels inside your body by taking Vitamin B6, B12 and Folic acid along with Methionine.

Effectiveness:

“A number of randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of methionine (or s-adenosylmethionine) supplementation in the treatment of major depression” (Kagan et al, 1990; Salmaggi et al, 1993; Bell et al, 1994; Delle Chiaie et al, 2002).

“Clinical trial studies have shown methionine to be a safe, effective antidepressant with a rapid onset of action and few side effects. The efficacy and safety of methionine in depression have been recently reviewed “ (Papakostos et al, 2003; Williams et al, 2005).

Dosage and Sources:

Methionine can be found naturally on foods rich in protein such as meat, fish milk and cheese. It is also sold as a food supplement which is available in 500 mg capsules.

References:

1. Bell KM, Potkin SG, Carreon D et al (1994) S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug development. Acta Neurol Scand; 154: 15-18.
2. Brok J, Buckley N, Gluud C (2002) Interventions for paracetamol overdoses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev CD003328
3. Charlton M (2006) Branched chain amino acid enriched supplements as therapy for disease. J Nutr; 136(S1): 295-298.
4. Delle Chiaie R, Pancheri P, Scapicchio P (2002) Efficacy and tolerability of oral and intramuscular s-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of major depression. Am J Clin Nutr; 76(5): 1172-1176.
5. Janes J, Routledge PA (1992) Recent developments in the management of paracetamol poisoning. Drug Saf; 7(3): 170-177.

Last update:  January 17, 2009

The exact mechanism of how St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) works on depression is unknown. The extract of this plant itself contains at least 10 different substances and scientists are not exactly sure which one works for depression and at what combination ratios. It is thought that St. John’s Wort extract prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. All of these neurotransmitters are necessary for a balanced and normal mood. In theory, St. John’s Wort increases the level of serotonin.

Effectiveness:

“The present results, together with previous pharmacological and phytochemical data, indicated that Hypericum grandifolium possess antidepressant-like effects in mice and that different constituents, such as the flavonoids and the benzophenone derivatives, could be responsible at least in part for the antidepressant effects observed for this species.” (J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jan 21;121(2):297-303. Epub 2008 Nov 8.)

“St John’s wort (as used in this study) can be at least as effective as paroxetine in acute treatment of moderate to severe depression among adults in the short-term.” (Can Fam Physician. 2007 September; 53(9): 1511–1513. PMCID: PMC2234633)

Dosage and Sources:

St. Johns wort is sold as food supplements and is available in health shops. The typical dose to combat depression is 300 mg taken 3 times daily.

References:

1. John’s Wort for depression (Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004. Wiley, Chichester, UK.[PubMed]
2. National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Depression: management of depression in primary and secondary care. December 2004. NICE clinical guideline 23. Available at http://www.nice.org.uk/cg23 (accessed on 30 September 2008).
3. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort. 2001 July 2005. NCCAM Publication No. D269. Available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/ (accessed on 9 October 2007).
4. John’s wort in major depression: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2001; 285: 1978-1986.[PubMed]
5. Hammerness P, Basch E, Ulbricht C, et al. St John’s wort: a systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions for the consultation psychiatrist. Psychosomatics. 2003; 44: 271-282.[PubMed]

Last Update:  January 17, 2009

Sam-E is a substance which is composed of the amino acid methionine and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Sam-E is very important for the methylation process inside the brain and the whole body. Methylation is the donation of methyl molecules to another molecule. Methylation is needed for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, dopamine and adrenaline (needed for proper regulation of mood). Studies show that depressed people have lower levels of Sam-E compared to normal people. It is therefore essential to take oral supplementation of Sam-E to boost the methylation process in the brain. Once Sam-E donates its methyl group, it becomes homocysteine which is not good for the heart. Homocysteine can be converted to Glutathione with the aid of Vitamin B6 or it can also be converted to Methionine with the aid of Vitamin B12 and Folic acid.

Effectivenes:

“All of the studies reviewed were short term, making translation to the clinical setting difficult. However, there appears to be a role for SAMe in the treatment of major depression in adults. Questions remain about mechanism of action, bioavailability, and absorption of oral SAMe. Further study of SAMe as independent and adjuvant therapy for major depression in adults is indicated”. (Williams AL, Girard C, Jui D, Sabina A, Katz DL.Yale Prevention Research Center, Derby, CT 06418, USA. anna-leila.williams@yalegriffinprc.org)

Dosages and Sources:

Sam-E is an over the counter food supplement. 400 mgs daily (2 x 200 mgs) is the typical starting dose. Most studies about Sam-E used 1,600 mgs per day.

References:

I. Neuroendocrine effects of SAMe, a novel putative antidepressant J Psychiatr Res, 1990, 24:2.
2. Stramentinoli G. Pharmacological aspects of SAMe, Am J Mod, 1987, 83(5A): 35-42.
3. Cohen BM, Stramentinoli G et al. effects of the novel antidepressant SAMe on alpha-I and beta adrenoceptors in rat brain. Eur J Pharmacol, 1989, 170(3):210-207.
4. De La Cruz JP et al. Effects of chronic administration of SAMe on brain oxidative stress in rats. NaunynSchmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2000, 361(l);47-52.
5. De Vanna M, Rigamonti R, Oral SAMe in depression Curr Ther Res 1992, 52: 478-485.
6. SAMe as an antidepressant. New Trends Clin Neuropharmacol 1992, 6:1-4.
7. Baldessarini R. Neuropharmacology of SAMe. Am J Med, 1987, 83(5A):95-103.

Last update:  January 17, 2009

GABA or Gamma Amino Butyric Acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which means that it blocks nerve impulses. It tells the nearby cells not to fire or send nerve signals.  Without GABA, the nerve cells fire too often which results into a number of anxiety disorders.  Some related results of low GABA activity are panic attacks, addiction, headaches, seizure disorders, Parkinson’s syndrome and cognitive impairment.  Some scientist says that GABA cannot penetrate into the brain. To increase the chances of GABA penetrating the brain, larger oral doses in the gram range could be used. Another strategy is to use Picamilon, it is essentially GABA bounded to Niacin which is able to cross the blood brain barrier.

Effectiveness:

“Research found that the mean GABA level in the brain of the depressed patients was less than half of that found in the healthy controls” (Sanacora, Gerard, et al. Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol. 56, November 1999, pp. 1043-47)

Dosage and Sources:

GABA is availabe as over the counter food supplement. Dosage range from 750 mg to 3 grams.

References:

1. Petty F, Kramer GL, Fulton M, Moeller FG, Rush AJ. Low plasma GABA is a trait-like marker for bipolar illness. Neuropsychopharmacology. 1993 Sep;9(2):125-32.
2. Petty F. GABA and mood disorders: a brief review and hypothesis. J Affect Disord. 1995 Aug 18;34(4):275-81.
3. Atkins page 177
4. Am J Psychiatry. 1996 May;153(5):718-20.
Low plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid levels during the late luteal phase of women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
5.  Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2002 Sep;59(9):851-8.

Last update:  Januray 17, 2009

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a derivative of the amino acid Tryptophan which is converted in the brain into serotonin. Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter in the brain because it is responsible for good mood, appetite, impulse control and normal sleep pattern. The advantage of 5-HTP over tryptophan is that 5-HTP can be taken anytime even if  the stomach is full. However, 5-HTP may cause upset stomach in some individuals.

Effectivenes:

“Several double-blind studies have shown 5-HTP to be effective in the treatment of nondrug-induced depression.” (Reference: Med Hypotheses. 2005 Jan;65(1):138-44. Turner EH, Blackwell AD.)

The treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus imipramine. “During our double-blind trial we could not find any significant difference in efficacy of L-5-HTP and Imipramine” (Reference:  Arch Psychiatr Nervenkr. 1977 Oct 11;224(2):175-86)

Dosage and Sources:

The typical dose of 5-HTP for anxiety & depression treatment is from  50 to 100 mg daily. Some studies used 5-HTP doses as high as 300mg. It is commonly found in the seeds of “Griffonia simplicifolia” plant.

References:

1. MedQuest, 5-HTP The Natural Antidepressant, Medical Horizons
Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing; 1998.
2. Nicolodi M, et. al., Fibromyalgia and migraine, two faces of the same mechanism, Adv Exp Med Biol. 1996;398:373-379.
3. The Natural Pharmacist 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) Prima Communications, Inc., The Natural Pharmacist
4. Shils ME, et. al., Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, Williams & Wilkins; 1994:1.
5. Van Hiele LJ., L-5-hydroxytryptophan in depression: the first substitution therapy in psychiatry?, Neuropsychobiology. 1980;6:230-240.
6. Van Praag HM., Management of depression with serotonin precursors. Biol Psychiatry. 1981;16:291-310.

Last update:  January 16, 2009

Tryptophan is an amino acid that exists naturally from foods that we eat. Tryptophan is converted by the body to 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5HTP) then into Serotonin ( Feel Good Neurotransmitter ). Serotonin is then converted to N-Acetyl-serotonin which is finally converted to Melatonin. Melatonin is a substance which promotes relaxation, balancing of mood and normal sleeping patterns. Increasing Tryptophan intake from food or supplementation naturally leads into increased production of Serotonin which promotes the feeling of warmth, calm and happines. The conversion of Tryptophan to Serotonin needs the aid of Vitamin-B6 so make sure that you are also taking adequate amounts of B6.

Effectiveness:

“The study states that tryptophan can stimulate the proper function of serotonin in the brain” (Sandyk, Reuven. (1992) International Journal of Neuroscience, Volume 67)

“The results indicated that the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, as well as the innate immune response, can be modulated by oral ingestion of tryptophan.” (Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 Dec;267(1-2):39-46.)

“Available evidence does suggest these substances are better than placebo at alleviating depression. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-HTP and tryptophan before their widespread use can be recommended.” (Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD003198)

Dosage and Sources:

Studies suggest that using moderate tryptophan doses for depression of about 1g to 3g daily have shown better results than high doses such as 6 to 9g daily.  Natural sources of trytophan includes cottage cheese, milk, brown ride, peanuts, meat, turkey and soy products.

References:

1. Shaw, DM; Camps, FE; Eccleston, EG. 5-Hydroxytryptamine in the hind-brain of depressive suicides. Br J Psychiatry. 1967 Dec;113(505):1407–1411. [PubMed]
2. Bourne, HR; Bunney, WE, Jr; Colburn, RW; Davis, JM; Davis, JN; Shaw, DM; Coppen, AJ. Noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in hindbrains of suicidal patients. Lancet. 1968 Oct 12;2(7572):805–808. [PubMed]
3. Pare, CM; Yeung, DP; Price, K; Stacey, RS. 5-hydroxytryptamine, noradrenaline, and dopamine in brainstem, hypothalamus, and caudate nucleus of controls and of patients committing suicide by coal-gas poisoning. Lancet. 1969 Jul 19;2(7612):133–135. [PubMed]
4. COPPEN, A; SHAW, DM; FARRELL, JP. Potentiation of the antidepressive effect of a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor by tryptophan. Lancet. 1963 Jan 12;1(7272):79–81. [PubMed]

Last update:  January 16, 2009