Serotonin
Also known as: 5-HT
Recent Insights
Consumption of fresh or dried kiwifruit in the evening improves aspects of sleep quality and mood, potentially mediated through changes in serotonin metabolism.
Kiwifruit Serotonin Sleep
Recent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
Honey Melatonin Serotonin
The traditional Chinese medicine Gan Mai Da Zao Tang may lessen depressive behaviors in rats, likely through licorice increasing serotonin transporter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signals in the hippocampus.
Depression Gan Cao Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Consuming New Zealand green kiwifruit improves sleep quality, mood, and increases the concentration of serotonin metabolites.
Kiwifruit Mood Serotonin
Jujube seed extract has been found to primarily reduce anxiety by regulating the GABAergic and serotonergic synapse pathways, specifically modulating GABRA1, HTR1A, and HTR2A.
Anxiety GABA system Serotonin
Gan Mai Da Zao decoction has shown comparable anxiolytic effects to Diazepam and Buspirone in mice, possibly regulated by serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors.
GABA GABA system Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Related Topics
Research Articles
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Anti-Menopausal Effect of Soybean Germ Extract and Lactobacillus gasseri in the Ovariectomized Rat Model
2023 Oct 23 Nutrients Lee SH, Lim TJ, Yun EJ, Kim KH, Lim S
Animal Study Experimental Study Bacillus MenopauseA combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model.
Vitamin D in Depression: A Potential Bioactive Agent to Reduce Suicide and Suicide Attempt Risk
2023 Apr 04 Nutrients Somoza-Moncada MM, Turrubiates-Hernández FJ, Muñoz-Valle JF, Gutiérrez-Brito JA, Díaz-Pérez SA, Aguayo-Arelis A, et al.
Review Article Depression SuicideVitamin D deficiency could accelerate depressive symptoms and suicide risks, and vitamin D supplementation may mitigate these effects.
Acute effects of fresh versus dried Hayward green kiwifruit on sleep quality, mood, and sleep-related urinary metabolites in healthy young men with good and poor sleep quality
2023 Mar 14 Frontiers in Nutrition Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Randomised Controlled Trial Serotonin Kiwifruit SleepConsumption of fresh or dried kiwifruit in the evening improves aspects of sleep quality and mood, potentially mediated through changes in serotonin metabolism.
Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey
2022 Sep 30 Melatonin Research Kim TK, Fabisiak A, Brzeminski P, Reiter RJ, Slominski AT
Review Article Honey Serotonin Melatonin Vitamin DRecent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
Acute Evening Consumption of Green Kiwifruit in Young Men Enhances Waking Alertness, Mood and Increases 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in Urine
2022 May 09 NSNZ 2021 Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Randomised Controlled Trial Mood Sleep Kiwifruit SerotoninConsuming New Zealand green kiwifruit improves sleep quality, mood, and increases the concentration of serotonin metabolites.
Research Insights
Insights are moderated by the Research Hub team and offer an at-a-glance overview of interesting research findings.
A combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model.
2023 Nutrients Anti-Menopausal Effect of Soybean Germ Extract and Lactobacillus gasseri in the Ovariectomized Rat Model Lee SH, Lim TJ, Yun EJ, Kim KH, Lim S
Animal Study Bacillus Menopause
The study employed an ovariectomized rat model to understand the effects of a combination of soybean germ extract containing 30% isoflavone and a probiotic. The methodology included assessing the effects of this combination on several health markers including body weight, estrogen markers, uterine and bone health, vascular markers, and neurotransmitter levels in these rats.
Once implemented, the combination of soybean germ extract and the probiotic showcased significant improvement in body weight and uterine and bone health of the rats. There were also noticeable effects on the lipid profile, liver function, and vascular markers. Most interestingly, the combination had a positive impact on the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, indicating potential mood-enhancing effects, which are crucial in managing symptoms post-menopause. This essentially shows the potential of a dietary approach towards menopausal management, especially given the observed benefits without the side effects typically associated with hormone replacement therapy.
Vitamin D deficiency could accelerate depressive symptoms and suicide risks, and vitamin D supplementation may mitigate these effects.
2023 Nutrients Vitamin D in Depression: A Potential Bioactive Agent to Reduce Suicide and Suicide Attempt Risk Somoza-Moncada MM, Turrubiates-Hernández FJ, Muñoz-Valle JF, Gutiérrez-Brito JA, Díaz-Pérez SA, Aguayo-Arelis A, et al.
Review Article Depression Suicide
The paper examines the links between vitamin D deficiency, depression, and suicide from various studies. It hypothesizes that vitamin D could enhance serotonin synthesis and modulate proinflammatory cytokines, both factors in depression and suicide. The paper reviews this hypothesis in the context of the broader health issue of suicide, which is among the leading causes of death worldwide.
This paper then discusses the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Drawing upon indirect evidence suggesting that vitamin D deficiencies may be a risk factor for depression—one of the most common factors in suicide attempts—the paper postulates that vitamin D supplementation could play a role in helping to reduce the risk of depression and thus suicide. The beneficial mechanisms of vitamin D, such as enhancing serotonin synthesis and modulating proinflammatory cytokines, which are associated with depression and suicide, stand as the central contributing factors in this hypothesis.
Consumption of fresh or dried kiwifruit in the evening improves aspects of sleep quality and mood, potentially mediated through changes in serotonin metabolism.
2023 Frontiers in Nutrition Acute effects of fresh versus dried Hayward green kiwifruit on sleep quality, mood, and sleep-related urinary metabolites in healthy young men with good and poor sleep quality Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Randomised Controlled Trial Kiwifruit Sleep
A randomized, single-blind crossover study involving 24 men with varying sleep quality levels was conducted. Participants were provided with one of three treatments during their standard evening meal at home: the flesh of two fresh green kiwifruits, dried green kiwifruit powder (with skin and equivalent to the dry matter of two fresh kiwifruits) mixed with water, or a water control. Various factors were evaluated including subjective and objective sleep quality, mood, and urine concentration of several compounds including the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA, vitamin C, and B-vitamins.
Findings indicated that regardless of sleep quality group, dried kiwifruit consumption was associated with an improvement in morning sleepiness, alertness upon waking, and vigor as compared to the control. Both fresh and dried kiwifruit treatments suggested an improvement in self-esteem and overall mood disturbance. Increase in the urinary concentration of serotonin metabolite was observed with both kiwifruit treatments. Amongst poor sleepers, ease of awakening was notably improved after the intake of dried kiwifruit and showed signs of improvement with fresh kiwifruit. For good sleepers, there seemed to be an improvement in getting to sleep with fresh kiwifruit. Poor sleepers were found to have lower quantities of certain B-vitamins compared to good sleepers. Thus, both dried and fresh kiwifruit consumption with a standard evening meal showed a positive impact on sleep quality and mood.
Recent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
2022 Melatonin Research Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey Kim TK, Fabisiak A, Brzeminski P, Reiter RJ, Slominski AT
Review Article Honey Melatonin Vitamin D
The identification of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey aligns with their presence in insects and plants. Serotonin and melatonin, integral to tryptophan metabolism, serve diverse roles as hormones, neurotransmitters, and antioxidants. Dopamine and tryptamine, essential neurotransmitters, have broad significance across species. The detection of these molecules in honey, a widely consumed health-promoting substance, enhances its beneficial effects on human health.
The findings highlight the multifaceted composition of honey, encompassing compounds with recognized roles in neurotransmission, antioxidant activity, and hormonal regulation. The presence of these molecules not only broadens honey's spectrum of health benefits for humans but also implies their significance in the intricate physiology of social insects, influencing bee development and colony functions. The co-detection of these compounds with vitamin D3 derivatives further underscores the interconnectedness of honey with insect and plant biology, shedding light on potential synergies that contribute to the diverse positive effects of honey on human health.
Consuming New Zealand green kiwifruit improves sleep quality, mood, and increases the concentration of serotonin metabolites.
2022 NSNZ 2021 Acute Evening Consumption of Green Kiwifruit in Young Men Enhances Waking Alertness, Mood and Increases 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in Urine Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Randomised Controlled Trial Kiwifruit Mood Sleep
A total of 24 men, ranging in age and with varying sleep quality were selected for the study, in a single-blind crossover design, which was randomized. Participants were provided three treatments on separate occasions, each differing by 6-8 days: consumption of two fresh kiwifruits, ingesting green kiwifruit powder mixed with water equivalent to two fresh kiwifruits, or a simple water control.
Poor sleepers noted that they woke up more easily after consuming dried kiwifruit, with a similar but less pronounced trend observed when they consumed fresh kiwifruit. Conversely, good sleepers showed a trend towards better sleep initiation with fresh kiwifruit, but not with the dried kiwifruit. Independent of the participants' sleep quality, both fresh and dried kiwifruit largely improved mood and self-esteem. Consumption of dried kiwifruit significantly elevated morning alertness, post-wakening behaviour, and vigour. Both forms of kiwifruit ingestion led to higher urinary concentrations of the serotonin metabolite known as 5-HIAA.
Review Articles
Review articles summarise and critically evaluate the current state of research on a specific topic or field by synthesising multiple primary research studies.
Vitamin D in Depression: A Potential Bioactive Agent to Reduce Suicide and Suicide Attempt Risk
2023 Apr 04 Nutrients Somoza-Moncada MM, Turrubiates-Hernández FJ, Muñoz-Valle JF, Gutiérrez-Brito JA, Díaz-Pérez SA, Aguayo-Arelis A, et al.
Review Article Depression SuicideVitamin D deficiency could accelerate depressive symptoms and suicide risks, and vitamin D supplementation may mitigate these effects.
Serotonin, melatonin and their precursors and metabolites and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey
2022 Sep 30 Melatonin Research Kim TK, Fabisiak A, Brzeminski P, Reiter RJ, Slominski AT
Review Article Honey Serotonin Melatonin Vitamin DRecent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
Activation of Subcutaneous Mast Cells in Acupuncture Points Triggers Analgesia
2022 Feb 25 Cells Wang LN, Wang XZ, Li YJ, Li BR, Huang M, Wang XY, et al.
The role of subcutaneous mast cells (MCs) in triggering acupuncture-induced analgesia, single steps in the signaling pathway still need further clarification. Similarly, the role of the release of serotonin and stimulation of 5-HT1 receptors in analgesia needs further investigation.
Review Article AcupunctureThe effects of acupuncture on serotonin metabolism
2016 Aug European Journal of Integrative Medicine Lee EJ, Warden S
Acupuncture appears to improve symptoms and conditions such as pain, obesity, and depression. Those symptoms might be associated with changes in 5-HT.
Review Article Acupuncture SerotoninThe benefit of combined acupuncture and antidepressant medication for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
2015 May 1 Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Chan, Y.-Y., Lo, W.-Y., Yang, S.-N., et al.
This article suggests that acupuncture combined with antidepressant medication is effective, has an early onset of action, safe, and is well-tolerated over the first 6-week treatment period. Moreover, this treatment combination appears to result in greater therapeutic efficacy than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) therapy alone.
Systematic Review Meta-Analysis Mental Health DepressionClinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people and are conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new treatments or interventions, such as drugs, medical devices, or behavioural therapies.
Acute effects of fresh versus dried Hayward green kiwifruit on sleep quality, mood, and sleep-related urinary metabolites in healthy young men with good and poor sleep quality
2023 Mar 14 Frontiers in Nutrition Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Randomised Controlled Trial Serotonin Kiwifruit SleepConsumption of fresh or dried kiwifruit in the evening improves aspects of sleep quality and mood, potentially mediated through changes in serotonin metabolism.
Acute Evening Consumption of Green Kiwifruit in Young Men Enhances Waking Alertness, Mood and Increases 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in Urine
2022 May 09 NSNZ 2021 Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Randomised Controlled Trial Mood Sleep Kiwifruit SerotoninConsuming New Zealand green kiwifruit improves sleep quality, mood, and increases the concentration of serotonin metabolites.
Impact of saffron (Crocus Sativus Linn) supplementation and resistance training on markers implicated in depression and happiness levels in untrained young males
2021 May Physiology & Behavior Moghadam BH, Bagheri R, Roozbeh B, Ashtary-Larky D, Gaeini AA, Dutheil F, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Depression SaffronCombining resistance training with saffron supplementation enhances happiness levels and increases dopamine and serotonin concentrations more than resistance training alone.
Effects of vitamin D on mood and sleep in the healthy population: Interpretations from the serotonergic pathway
2021 Feb Sleep Medicine Reviews Huiberts LM, Smolders KCHJ
These studies revealed mixed results for both sleep and mood. The findings were interpreted based on the previously proposed serotonergic pathway of vitamin D. Implications and challenges for future research regarding the timing of blood sampling, timing and dosage of supplement intake and investigating the response dynamics are discussed.
Clinical Study Randomised Controlled Trial Serotonin SleepStudy Protocols
Published study protocols are detailed plans that outline the objectives, methodology, statistical analyses, and organisation of a research study that have been made publicly available for others to review and use as a reference.
Presentation Slides
Animal Study
A combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model.
Lee SH, Lim TJ, Yun EJ, Kim KH, Lim S
Review Article
Vitamin D deficiency could accelerate depressive symptoms and suicide risks, and vitamin D supplementation may mitigate these effects.
Somoza-Moncada MM, Turrubiates-Hernández FJ, Muñoz-Valle JF, Gutiérrez-Brito JA, Díaz-Pérez SA, Aguayo-Arelis A, Hernández-Bello J
Randomised Controlled Trial
Consumption of fresh or dried kiwifruit in the evening improves aspects of sleep quality and mood, potentially mediated through changes in serotonin metabolism.
Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Review Article
Recent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
Kim TK, Fabisiak A, Brzeminski P, Reiter RJ, Slominski AT
Randomised Controlled Trial
Consuming New Zealand green kiwifruit improves sleep quality, mood, and increases the concentration of serotonin metabolites.
Kanon AP, Giezenaar C, Roy NC, McNabb WC, Henare SJ
Animal Study
The traditional Chinese medicine Gan Mai Da Zao Tang may lessen depressive behaviors in rats, likely through licorice increasing serotonin transporter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signals in the hippocampus.
Li YX, Cheng KC, Hsu CT, Cheng JT, Yang TT
Randomised Controlled Trial
Combining resistance training with saffron supplementation enhances happiness levels and increases dopamine and serotonin concentrations more than resistance training alone.
Moghadam BH, Bagheri R, Roozbeh B, Ashtary-Larky D, Gaeini AA, Dutheil F, Wong A
Experimental Study
Jujube seed extract has been found to primarily reduce anxiety by regulating the GABAergic and serotonergic synapse pathways, specifically modulating GABRA1, HTR1A, and HTR2A.
Chen L, Zhang X, Hu C, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Kan J, Li B, Du J
Animal Study
Gan Mai Da Zao decoction has shown comparable anxiolytic effects to Diazepam and Buspirone in mice, possibly regulated by serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors.
Chen HS, Gu LJ, Yang YX, Guo JY
Animal Study
Curcumin, found in turmeric, exerts anticonvulsive effects by elevating serotonin levels, influencing certain receptors, and possibly reducing 5-HT7 gene expression.
Arbabi Jahan A, Rad A, Ghanbarabadi M, Amin B, Mohammad-Zadeh M
Review Article
Serotonin function, influenced by vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders and certain behavioral functions.
Patrick RP, Ames BN
Systematic Review
Evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture for PTSD is encouraging but not cogent. Acupuncture may be a relatively safe alternative for PTSD in contrast to SSRI, if long-term therapy is needed for treatment.
Young-Dae Kim, In Heo, Byung-Cheul Shin, Cindy Crawford, Hyung-Won Kang, Jung-Hwa Lim,
Executive Summary
Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Serotonin" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.
Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Serotonin" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.
Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Serotonin" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.
A Animal Study published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that A combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model. The study employed an ovariectomized rat model to understand the effects of a combination of soybean germ extract containing 30% isoflavone and a probiotic. The methodology included assessing the effects of this combination on several health markers including body weight, estrogen markers, uterine and bone health, vascular markers, and neurotransmitter levels in these rats. Once implemented, the combination of soybean germ extract and the probiotic showcased significant improvement in body weight and uterine and bone health of the rats. There were also noticeable effects on the lipid profile, liver function, and vascular markers. Most interestingly, the combination had a positive impact on the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, indicating potential mood-enhancing effects, which are crucial in managing symptoms post-menopause. This essentially shows the potential of a dietary approach towards menopausal management, especially given the observed benefits without the side effects typically associated with hormone replacement therapy.
A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that Vitamin D deficiency could accelerate depressive symptoms and suicide risks, and vitamin D supplementation may mitigate these effects. The paper examines the links between vitamin D deficiency, depression, and suicide from various studies. It hypothesizes that vitamin D could enhance serotonin synthesis and modulate proinflammatory cytokines, both factors in depression and suicide. The paper reviews this hypothesis in the context of the broader health issue of suicide, which is among the leading causes of death worldwide. This paper then discusses the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Drawing upon indirect evidence suggesting that vitamin D deficiencies may be a risk factor for depression—one of the most common factors in suicide attempts—the paper postulates that vitamin D supplementation could play a role in helping to reduce the risk of depression and thus suicide. The beneficial mechanisms of vitamin D, such as enhancing serotonin synthesis and modulating proinflammatory cytokines, which are associated with depression and suicide, stand as the central contributing factors in this hypothesis.
A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that Consumption of fresh or dried kiwifruit in the evening improves aspects of sleep quality and mood, potentially mediated through changes in serotonin metabolism. A randomized, single-blind crossover study involving 24 men with varying sleep quality levels was conducted. Participants were provided with one of three treatments during their standard evening meal at home: the flesh of two fresh green kiwifruits, dried green kiwifruit powder (with skin and equivalent to the dry matter of two fresh kiwifruits) mixed with water, or a water control. Various factors were evaluated including subjective and objective sleep quality, mood, and urine concentration of several compounds including the serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA, vitamin C, and B-vitamins. Findings indicated that regardless of sleep quality group, dried kiwifruit consumption was associated with an improvement in morning sleepiness, alertness upon waking, and vigor as compared to the control. Both fresh and dried kiwifruit treatments suggested an improvement in self-esteem and overall mood disturbance. Increase in the urinary concentration of serotonin metabolite was observed with both kiwifruit treatments. Amongst poor sleepers, ease of awakening was notably improved after the intake of dried kiwifruit and showed signs of improvement with fresh kiwifruit. For good sleepers, there seemed to be an improvement in getting to sleep with fresh kiwifruit. Poor sleepers were found to have lower quantities of certain B-vitamins compared to good sleepers. Thus, both dried and fresh kiwifruit consumption with a standard evening meal showed a positive impact on sleep quality and mood.
A Review Article published in 2022 in the journal Melatonin Research found that Recent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits. The identification of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey aligns with their presence in insects and plants. Serotonin and melatonin, integral to tryptophan metabolism, serve diverse roles as hormones, neurotransmitters, and antioxidants. Dopamine and tryptamine, essential neurotransmitters, have broad significance across species. The detection of these molecules in honey, a widely consumed health-promoting substance, enhances its beneficial effects on human health. The findings highlight the multifaceted composition of honey, encompassing compounds with recognized roles in neurotransmission, antioxidant activity, and hormonal regulation. The presence of these molecules not only broadens honey's spectrum of health benefits for humans but also implies their significance in the intricate physiology of social insects, influencing bee development and colony functions. The co-detection of these compounds with vitamin D3 derivatives further underscores the interconnectedness of honey with insect and plant biology, shedding light on potential synergies that contribute to the diverse positive effects of honey on human health.
A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal NSNZ 2021 found that Consuming New Zealand green kiwifruit improves sleep quality, mood, and increases the concentration of serotonin metabolites. A total of 24 men, ranging in age and with varying sleep quality were selected for the study, in a single-blind crossover design, which was randomized. Participants were provided three treatments on separate occasions, each differing by 6-8 days: consumption of two fresh kiwifruits, ingesting green kiwifruit powder mixed with water equivalent to two fresh kiwifruits, or a simple water control. Poor sleepers noted that they woke up more easily after consuming dried kiwifruit, with a similar but less pronounced trend observed when they consumed fresh kiwifruit. Conversely, good sleepers showed a trend towards better sleep initiation with fresh kiwifruit, but not with the dried kiwifruit. Independent of the participants' sleep quality, both fresh and dried kiwifruit largely improved mood and self-esteem. Consumption of dried kiwifruit significantly elevated morning alertness, post-wakening behaviour, and vigour. Both forms of kiwifruit ingestion led to higher urinary concentrations of the serotonin metabolite known as 5-HIAA.
A Animal Study published in 2022 in the journal Plants found that The traditional Chinese medicine Gan Mai Da Zao Tang may lessen depressive behaviors in rats, likely through licorice increasing serotonin transporter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signals in the hippocampus. This study experimentally examined the antidepressant impacts of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao (GMDZ), a Chinese traditional medicine that contains blighted wheat, licorice, and jujube. The researchers used an unpredictable chronic mild stress model in rats, some of whom received an injection with p-chlorophenylalanine to generate a chemical model for depression. The investigators employed behavioral tests, including forced swim tests, open field tests, and sucrose preference tests, to evaluate the chronic influence of GMDZ. The oral application of GMDZ over 21 days considerably eased depressive behaviors in rats induced by either the unpredictable chronic mild stress or p-chlorophenylalanine. The treatment increased the expression of the serotonin transporter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus in the rats with depression. However, rats provided with a similar herbal mixture that did not include licorice showed a significantly worse response, suggesting that licorice may play an essential role in the efficacy of GMDZ in combatting depression-like behaviors.
A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2021 in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that Combining resistance training with saffron supplementation enhances happiness levels and increases dopamine and serotonin concentrations more than resistance training alone. In this research, untrained young males were divided into two groups, one receiving resistance training coupled with saffron supplementation (150 mg pill of pure saffron post-workout and at a similar time on rest days), while the other received resistance training with a placebo (dextrose pill). For a period of six weeks, whole-body supervised resistance training was performed four times per week with three sets using 60-70% of their single repetition maximum. Various markers implicated in depression and happiness levels were assessed before and after this period. In terms of results, substantial increases in various markers including Anandamide, Arachidonoylglycerol, dopamine, and beta-endorphin were noticed within the group combining resistance training with saffron supplementation, yet no such changes were evident within the group who took the placebo. Compared to the placebo, the saffron group also experienced more significant improvements in happiness levels. Moreover, serotonin levels increased in both groups but were greater in the saffron-supplemented group, while tryptophan concentrations remained unchanged. Notably, both groups noted significant boosts in muscular endurance; these changes were greater with saffron supplementation.
A Experimental Study published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Jujube seed extract has been found to primarily reduce anxiety by regulating the GABAergic and serotonergic synapse pathways, specifically modulating GABRA1, HTR1A, and HTR2A. The research relied on a system biology method supported by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Initially, 35 phytochemicals were identified from the Jujube seed extract, which related to 71 anxiolytic targets. Further investigations, including protein-protein interaction, gene cluster, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analyses, were conducted to identify the anxiolytic mechanisms of the extract. The results highlighted that the main anxiolytic mechanisms of the Jujube seed extract were linked to the regulation of serotonergic and GABAergic synapse pathways. The extract's impact on the mRNA expressions of multiple gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT) receptors subtypes was verified in human neuroblastoma cells. Surprisingly, the extract (250 μg/mL) not only amplified the mRNA level of GABRA1 and GABRA3 alongside HTR1A, HTR2A, and HTR2B in untreated cells but also suppressed the overexpressed mRNA of GABRA1, GABRA2, HTR1A, and HTR2A in stress-induced cells.
A Animal Study published in 2019 in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience found that Gan Mai Da Zao decoction has shown comparable anxiolytic effects to Diazepam and Buspirone in mice, possibly regulated by serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. The mice were given the Gan-Mai-Da-Zao (GMDZ) decoction orally at different concentrations for a week, with Diazepam and Buspirone serving as positive controls. Anxiety-level testing was conducted using a combination of the elevated plus-maze, light/dark box, marble burying, open field, and rota-rod tests, providing a comprehensive assessment of the decoction's effects on mice. Furthermore, the anxiolytic effects that GMDZ induced in the mice were challenged by the application of Flumazenil, a gamma-aminobutyric acid-A receptor antagonist, and WAY-100635, a serotonin-1A receptor antagonist. They found that the effects were successfully inhibited, indicating that the mechanism of action of GMDZ could be linked to both the serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the nervous system, thereby reducing anxiety-like behavior in mice.
A Animal Study published in 2018 in the journal Life Sciences found that Curcumin, found in turmeric, exerts anticonvulsive effects by elevating serotonin levels, influencing certain receptors, and possibly reducing 5-HT7 gene expression. In the experiment, 110 mice were partitioned into 11 groups. Curcumin and serotonin's roles were examined in the first four groups, employing curcumin and PCPA to deplete brain serotonin levels. The fifth group was treated with four different substances followed by curcumin. The sixth group was given NAD-299, then curcumin. The other groups, seven to eleven, received various antagonists along with curcumin. A convulsant (PTZ) was injected into all mice after administering curcumin. Key observations included that serotonin depletion reversed some of curcumin's anticonvulsant effects. Different serotonin receptor antagonists had distinct influences on the effectiveness of curcumin. Lastly, a reduction in 5-HT7 gene expression was noted following curcumin injection, supporting a potential mechanism for its anticonvulsive action.
A Review Article published in 2015 in the journal The FASEB Journal found that Serotonin function, influenced by vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders and certain behavioral functions. The paper synthesizes prior research into serotonin's role in managing various brain functions and behaviours, and how its dysfunction is commonly seen in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. The researchers then put forward potential mechanisms showing the influence of vitamin D and the marine omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, on serotonin synthesis, release, and function in the brain. Serotonin in the brain is synthesized from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, a process that is activated by a vitamin D hormone. Possible mechanisms proposed include eicosapentaenoic acid increasing serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by lowering E2 series prostaglandins, and docosahexaenoic acid affecting serotonin receptor action by increasing cell membrane fluidity in postsynaptic neurons. The study posits that suboptimal levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, in combination with genetic factors at key developmental stages, could lead to dysfunctional serotonin activation and function – a possible underlying mechanism behind neuropsychiatric disorders and depression. The paper suggests that optimizing vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid intake could potentially curtail and modulate the severity of brain dysfunction.
A Systematic Review published in 2013 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture for PTSD is encouraging but not cogent. Acupuncture may be a relatively safe alternative for PTSD in contrast to SSRI, if long-term therapy is needed for treatment. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials on the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of PTSD. Only 4 RCTs and 2 UCTs met the inclusion criteria for this review. Our main finding of this review is that acupuncture is effective for PTSD based on one high-quality RCT and a meta-analysis. Acupuncture has positive effects in PTSD patients, although the evidence is still lacking as to its true efficacy for this condition.
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