Herbal Resources in the medication of depression during pandemic COVID-19
Izabela Bolesławska, Natasza Bolesławska-król, Klaudia Kowalska, Patrycja Dadyńska, Juliusz Przysławski
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica - Drug Research May 10, 2022 DOI: 10.32383/appdr/147281 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Bacopa monnieri Eleutherococcus senticosus Sedum roseum Hericium erinaceus psilocybin ayahuasca |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Pandemic 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak Depression economics Virology Disease |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Beneficial antidepressant effects have been observed after application of spice plants, mushrooms, and herbs, suggesting their use as adjunctive therapy against depression during COVID-19. |
Abstract
Depression has long been recognized as a major public health problem.Fear and anxiety associated with the high morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 have increased risk factors for mental health decline.A high prevalence of psychiatric disorders has been documented in individuals who have been directly or indirectly exposed to life-threatening situations.Current evidence suggests decompensation of pre-existing psychiatric disorders, increasing levels of depression, anxiety, and worry, and increased suicide as sequelae of COVID-19.Patients with COVID-19 are particularly vulnerable because psychopathologies can be exacerbated by coronaviruses, either through direct viral infection of the central nervous system or indirectly through an immune response.It, therefore, seems expedient to search for alternative methods of prevention, treatment, or supportive treatment of depression, especially since conventional pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies are only partially effective.Beneficial antidepressant effects have been observed after the application of spice plants as well as some mushrooms and herbs containing complex active components or phytochemicals.Their use in adjunctive therapy against depression, especially in the period of difficulties related to the functioning of COVID-19 oriented health care, seems to be an interesting alternative.The aim of the present study was to analyze the usefulness of Sceletium tortuo sum (L.) N.E.Br.(synonym Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.), Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.(synonym Bramia monnieri (L.) Drake), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr.&Maxim.)Maxim.(synonym Acan thopanax senticosus (Rupr.& Maxim.)Harms), Sedum roseum (L.) Scop.(synonym Rhodolia rosea L.), Hericium erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.)Pers.and plant materials with psychedelic activity such as psilocybin and ayahuasca in reducing symptoms associated with depression.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synaptic Dysfunction in Depression: Potential Therapeutic Targets | 2012 | Review | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse | 2003 | Review | |
| Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation Adults with treatment-resistant depression | 2021 | Review | |
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review |