Front Pharmacol

Supplements for depression show promise, but evidence remains sparse

August 4, 2025

Study details: A comprehensive scoping review identified 209 randomized controlled trials evaluating OTC herbal products, dietary supplements, and medications for depressive symptoms in adults aged 18 to 60. The review focused on products commonly available OTC across multiple countries and summarized the evidence base by product and research volume.

Results: The most extensively studied products were omega-3 fatty acids, St John’s wort, saffron, probiotics, and vitamin D. Among herbal products, lavender, lemon balm, chamomile, and Echium were most commonly used and warrant further investigation. For 41 products, only single trials were identified. Most products, whether used alone or adjunctively with antidepressants, demonstrated favorable safety profiles.

Clinical impact: Select agents—including folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, Rhodiola, and lemon balm—show preliminary efficacy and may complement standard treatments. However, methodological limitations and inconsistent safety reporting limit clinical confidence. Physicians should remain cautious when discussing these options with patients and advocate for more rigorous trials to clarify their role in integrative depression care.

Source:

Frost R, et al. (2025, July 15). Front Pharmacol. Understanding the research landscape of over-the-counter herbal products, dietary supplements, and medications evaluated for depressive symptoms in adults: a scoping review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40735481/