Potential antidepressant effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea

This 2020 study examines Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis/Chinese Skullcap), Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus/Mushroom) and Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea), three herbs with favorable risk-benefit profiles that appear to effectively alleviate anxiety or depression. These traditional folk medicinal herbs target the principal biochemical events that are implicated in mental disorders. Additionally, these herbal treatments to some extent mimic the mechanisms of actions of conventional antidepressants and mood stabilizers but are said to be better tolerated. To elaborate, these alternative treatment options influence neurotransmitter and neuro-endocrine systems, stimulate the growth and development of nervous tissue and neurotrophic factors, and counteract oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Although some experimental and clinical studies have released promising results, further analysis is required to better understand the antidepressant-like effects of these herbs. [NPID: depression, antidepressant, herbs, herbal, alternative, medicines, Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus, Rhodiola rosea, anxiety, mood]

Year: 2020

Reference: Limanaqi, F., Biagioni, F., Busceti, C. L., Polzella, M., Fabrizi, C., & Fornai, F. (2020). Potential Antidepressant Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, Hericium erinaceus and Rhodiola rosea. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(3), 234. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030234