Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found primarily in fish. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is found in in plant sources such as nuts and seeds.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Nature

Mood disorders are defined as severe disturbances in mood and emotions, which can include depression, mania, and elation. Unlike typical emotional fluctuations, the mood shifts experienced in these disorders are extreme, distort an individual's perspective on life, and significantly impair their ability to function in daily activities.

Mood Disorders

A key family of polyunsaturated fats. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are all beneficial in hindering the progressive of degenerative disorders, and have shown some evidence of being useful in treating mental illnesses such as mood disorders. 

Kalamazoo College

Michigan State University

Studies have shown certain nutraceuticals to be efficacious in terms of their neuroprotection against several neurodegenerative disorders and to be used as supplements in the management of traumatic brain injuries.

Nutraceuticals as Prophylactic Treatment for Neurological Degenerative Disorders

- St. John's Wort
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- S-Adenosyl Methionine
- Valerian
- Melatonin
- Ginkgo Biloba

Examples of Alternative Medicines

Iqubal A, Bansal P, Iqubal MK, Pottoo FH, Haque SE. An Overview and Therapeutic Promise of Nutraceuticals Against Sports-Related Brain Injury. Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2022;15(1):3-22. doi: 10.2174/1874467214666210203211914. PMID: 33538684.

An Overview and Therapeutic Promise of Nutraceuticals Against Sports-Related Brain Injury

A polyphenol that is thought to act like an antioxidant, protecting the body against damage that can put you at higher risk for conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction.

Resveratrol

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

St. John's wort has shown promise as an affordable herbal treatment for depression, being compared to tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs, particularly with less severe forms of the disorder. However, it is also known to interact with several other drugs.

St. John's Wort

S-adenosyl methionine has shown some promise in treating depression comparably to tricyclic antidepressants, especially in cases of unipolar depression or comorbid depression with other illnesses. It has been found to be well-tolerated and safe to use in conjunction with other drug treatments.

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe)

Valerian is used as a natural treatment for sleep issues, having sedative and hypnotic qualities that some studies have shown to be comparable to benzodiazepines. Although generally well-tolerated, some cases of severe adverse reactions have been documented.

Valerian

Ginkgo biloba is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for symptoms of dementia and for its supposed nootropic effects. Although research supporting its positive effect on cognitive function is limited and unclear, the supplement is generally well-tolerated and safe to use in most populations, barring those with bleeding disorders. 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Melatonin is a hormone that is used to treat insomnia due to its hypnotic and sedative effects. Although findings regarding its efficacy in different populations have been mixed, it is generally well-tolerated, barring some rare adverse reactions especially among immunocompromised individuals.

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