Depression strikes approximately 11 million Americans each year. According to a multinational study, each generation appears to have a greater risk of suffering from depression. Reasons for this increase in depression include reduction in marital stability, increased drug and alcohol abuse and urbanization. ¹

This study, and other studies as well, conclude that women are more likely to be depressed than men...and twice as many women have been diagnosed with depression. However, men are three times as likely as women to develop alcoholism and the suicide rate for males is four times greater, behaviors inextricably linked to depression.² Perhaps men and women just handle depression differently. Women tend to seek relief from doctors or therapists (and are given prescriptions). Men are more likely to turn to alcohol or suicide.

Antidepressant drugs are designed to correct or lessen suspected imbalances in the monoamines serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline.³ More than eight million Americans have turned to Prozac (fluoxetine), possibly the most popular anti-depressant and one of the most prescribed drugs in the country, which belongs to a new class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although these drugs produce less severe side effects in fewer patients than their predecessors the tricyclic monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as imipramine, amitriptyline and desipramine, they are not without significant side effects.²

Standardized herbal extracts offer an effective Alternative which, when compared to antidepressant drugs are virtually free of "side effects"...at a much lower price. The cost of Prozac is generally $8.00 - $12.00 per dose. Most herbal preparations will cost the patient less than $1.00 a day.

John's Wort . . . Leading Treatment in Germany
The May 5, 1997 issue of Newsweek magazine; reported a growing interest among doctors in the use of an herbal supplement, St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), for treating mild to moderate depression. The herb has been popular in Europe for about 15 years as a natural remedy for depression and is currently the leading treatment in Germany (prescribed 25 times more often than Prozac).

St. John's Wort seems to do the job of both the SSRIs and the MAOIs, without the side effects of either. Studies have shown that a standardized extract of St. John's Wort irreversibly inhibits type: A and B MAO⁴ and it demonstrated a 50% inhibition of serotonin uptake. However, researchers believe that the exact manner in which St. John's Wort inhibits serotonin uptake is undoubtedly different from that of the drugs Prozac, Effaxor, Paxil and Zoloft. ⁵

In comparison studies St. John's Wort proved to be as effective as the conventional antidepressant drugs, but with far fewer and less severe side effects.^{6, 7} In a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study, 70% of the patients treated with the herbal extract were free of symptoms after four weeks. Typical symptoms of depression such as lack of activity, fatigue, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and disturbed sleep were especially responsive.⁸ The extract greatly improves the quality of sleep, relieving both insomnia and hypersomnia.² Deep sleep during the total sleeping period is increased but total sleep time is not.

St. John's Wort is also being studied for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has been found to inhibit the growth of some retroviruses and several strains of bacteria that are highly resistant to antibiotics.⁹

Kava Kava . . . No Wonder Polynesians are Happy
The Polynesian herb, Kava-Kava (Piper mythysticum) may be perfect for today's fast-paced, high stress lifestyles. It has the remarkable ability to reduce anxiety and promote a relaxed, social state while sharpening mental acuity rather than dulling it... all this without the side effects and addictive properties of drugs. Kava was historically consumed during Polynesian religious rites for its ability to relax and soothe the mind and used medicinally as a sedative. No wonder the Polynesians have the reputation of being the happiest, friendliest people in the world.

Several placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials have tested the effectiveness of Kava for the treatment of anxiety. In one study, 400 mg. of kavain proved as effective as Oxazapam (a benzodiazopine, similar to Valium).¹⁰ Researchers were surprised to find that, at doses effective for reducing anxiety, Kava extract improved reaction time, vigilance and word recognition. ¹¹ In another test, no decrease in machine operating performance was found using effective doses. Another study indicates that Kava extract may also be helpful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and associated dysphoria as well as anxiety.

Research into the source of Kava's activity has been going on for over 100 years. It is now widely accepted that the active compounds are a group of 15 lactones unique to the plant and referred to as Kavalactones. Kava acts on the central nervous system as well as locally on muscles. Because it is noted for promoting relaxation without causing a dip in mental sharpness, it is particularly useful for management of daytime anxiety; however Kava also promotes normal restful sleep end helps relax skeletal muscles.¹²

Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Ginkgo biloba extracts standardized to contain 25% ginkgoflavonglycosides may also be effective for depression, especially in cases of cerebrovascular insufficiency. Ginkgo extracts have shown antidepressant activity in various animal models and chemical changes in rat cerebral cortex after administration of Ginkgo extract indicate a possible antidepressant effect.

Ginseng . . . Effective for Anxiety due to Stress
Extracts of Ginseng root (Panax ginseng)have been shown to increase toterance to stress. In an experimental double-blind study, nurses who had switched from day to night duty rated themselves for competence, mood and general well-being. The ginseng group had significantly higher scores in competence, mood parameters and objective psychophysical performance than the placebo group.

Side Effects of Antidepressant Drugs
Prozac is generally regarded as being better tolerated than tricyclics based on the fact that only 17% of patients taking Prozac discontinue treatment due to side effects compared to 31% of patients taking tricyclic antidepressants, but it is far from being classified as well-tolerated. Clinical trials demonstrate that 21% experience nausea; 20% headaches; 15% anxiety and nervousness; 14% insomnia; 12% drowsiness; 12% diarrhea. 9.5% dry mouth; 9% loss of appetite; 8% sweating and tremor; 3% rash. Agitation with sudden violent outbursts have also been reported.⁵ Prozac and Elavil have been reported to promote tumors in mice. In studies to evaluate sexual side effects, 43% of men and women taking various antidepressants and 34% taking Prozac reported loss of libido or diminished sexual response. The same side effects are associated with MAO inhibitors plus others including sedation, dizziness. blurred vision, constipation, urinary hesitancy, cardiac arrhythmia, angle closure glaucoma and myocardial infarction.

Recommended Effective Dosage
St. John's Wort - In most clinical trials 300 mg. of St. John's Wort extract standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin was given three times daily. While some consider hypericin and pseudohypericin to be the active ingredients, only the total extract has MAO inhibiting properties. Hypericin alone does not. Health care professionals have recommended doses ranging from 300 mg. to 2 g. daily. Kava Kava - generally 100-200 mg. three times daily.

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