Questions whether there are other treatments besides the herb,
Saint John's Wort, which can boost one's mood and energy. Information on
the nutrient S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe); Benefits of the nutrient;
Details on a 1994 study in which SAMe was used; Percentage of persons who
respond to the nutrient; In-depth look at other studies.
By
Richard Firshein, published on September 01, 1998
Q: I've heard that the herb St. John's Wort is great for
depression, but itjust doesn't seem to work for me. Are there any other
natural treatments that might boost my mood and y?
A: Several other nutrients are now being investigated, including
ginkgo (see below) and SAMe (short for S-adenosyI-L-methionine). The
latter substance is a form of methionine, an amino acid that the body
produces naturally. Numerous studies indicate that it can help stabilize
mood. In a 1990 Scandinavian experiment, 20 patients with major
depression were treated with SAMe. Nine improved, including two who had
failed to respond to any other medications. Another 1994 study tracked 26
patients given either SAMe or the antidepressant desipramine (Eiavil). At
the end of four weeks, spirits had lifted in 62% of those (continued on
page 26) taking SAMe, compared to 50% of those taking Elavil.
Another tantalizing finding: responsive patients in both groups
showed marked increases of SAMe in their blood, supporting the theory
that SAMe is intimately linked to depression. Researchers have speculated
that SAMe might work by influencing the production or uptake of
neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages between nerves), such as
dopamine and norepinephrine. Or it may interfere with the function of a
critical enzyme, much like the class of antidepressants known as
monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOs.
No adverse effects have been reported in the studies, which have
used between 400 and 800 milligrams of SAMe daily. However, SAMe is a
relatively unstable compound, so finding it in stores can be difficult.
Moreover, it is very expensive. One way to get around these problems may
be to get more B12 and folate in your diet (from milk, meat, eggs, and
grains), or to take supple* merits. Studies indicate that levels of SAMe
are lower in the bloodstreams of people who are deficient in B12 and
folate.
BY DR. RICHARD FIRSHEIN
Tags:
adverse effects,
alternative medicine,
amino acid,
antidepressant,
depression,
dopamine and norepinephrine,
grains,
herb st john,
major depression,
merits,
milligrams,
monoamine oxidase inhibitors,
mood,
SAMe,
st john s wort
