Pathophysiology of Depression: Stingless Bee Honey Promising as an Antidepressant

Zakaria FH, Samhani I, Mustafa MZ, Shafin N · Molecules · 2022 August 10

Objective

To discuss the different hypotheses associated with depression and how stingless bee honey's (SBH's) mechanism of action could act as a potential antidepressant as a brain supplement.

Conclusions

In conclusion, stingless bee honey could regulate the detrimental effects during or after depressive episodes that can lead to prophylactic effects. This review summarized how the amino acid (phenylalanine), antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of SBH have the potential to control depression symptoms according to the etiology of depression—the monoamine, neurotrophin, and inflammatory hypotheses—through neurotrophic factors and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

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Insights

Depression, a prevalent and debilitating disorder, necessitates novel treatments beyond conventional drugs. Stingless bee honey, rich in antioxidants, emerges as a potential antidepressant candidate, explored comprehensively through monoamine, inflammatory, and neurotrophin hypotheses.

This comprehensive review delves into the urgent need for safer and more effective depression treatments, considering the limitations of conventional drugs. The focus is on Stingless Bee Honey (SBH), recognized for its high antioxidant content, and its potential as an antidepressant is explored through the lenses of the monoamine, inflammatory, and neurotrophin hypotheses. Stingless bee honey's potential as an antidepressant is examined in the context of its antioxidant richness, offering a new avenue for addressing depression beyond conventional drug approaches. The review highlights the importance of exploring alternative medicines, such as SBH, for safer and more efficacious depression treatments.