Herbal remedies are often sold without the benefit of clinical evaluations, but some of the latest dopamine supplements are different. They’ve been tested and are now used to treat conditions like Parkinson’s and Segawa’s disease also known as DRD or Dopamine-responsive dystonia.
A Legume That’s Better Than Traditional Herbs for Depression
If dopamine supplements can treat serious conditions, they can also help people with depression and anxiety. The treatment for individuals with dopamine deficiencies is levodopa or L-Dopa, found in Mucuna pruriens, not a herb but a legume commonly called velvet bean. Levodopa is also synthesized from the amino acid – L-tyrosine and made into effective prescription formulations.
- Mucuna DOPA by Now Foods / Standardized Mucuna pruriens velvet bean extract with 15% L-Dopa
- L-tyrosine by Now Foods / a non-essential amino acid / precursor for neurotransmitters dopamine / norepinephrine
Why Choose Mucuna pruriens Dopamine Supplements
L-Dopa (from Mucuna pruriens beans) is the precursor to three neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. It’s important that it be a “precursor” and not the actual neurotransmitter because ready-made dopamine can’t reach the central nervous system due to something called the blood-brain barrier. Yet L-Dopa passes through that barrier and stimulates neurotransmitter production.
Mucuna pruriens is sold several dopamine supplements and blends with other herbs for depression especially designed for mood swings, anxiety, and depressive emotional states that previously were only treated with prescription medications.
A Wellness Formula for Seasonal Depression
Some people find that their moods are altered by cold, lack of sun and decreased physical activity in winter. Previously, natural treatments available were a kind of wellness formula, containing things like vitamin C and Echinacea, helpful but not powerful antidepressants.
Now, the latest naturopathic remedies and wellness formula preparations, designed with Mucuna pruriens, aid to restore libido, boost alertness and combat seasonal depression.
Amoryn is a wellness formula that combines several herbs for depression and traditional naturopathic remedies as well as a dopamine supplements to offer what some consider the ultimate blend. The active ingredients are: standardized 3% hyperforin, 5-hydroxytryptophan extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia, and standardized 4% rosavins / 1% salidrosides from Rhodiola Rosea, along with folic acid, vitamins B6 / B12, selenium, vitamin D3, Zinc and vitamin C.
- Wellness Formula by Source Naturals (vitamin formula)
- DopaBean capsules by Solaray
- Amoryn by BioNeurix (blended formula for depression and anxiety)
Naturopathic Remedies for Depression
Choosing herbs for depression has been a guessing game that most people couldn’t afford to play because deficiencies in serotonin / dopamine requires immediate attention. The most common naturopathic remedies have included St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), requiring several weeks to take effect, and although helpful, not always consistent. One reason for inconsistencies has been because the phytochemical hyperforin (its active ingredient) is unstable and loses potency when subjected to oxygen or light. It has also been difficult to determine how much hyperforin is in a drop of herbal extract, which is why naturopathic remedies in general are difficult to evaluate. Now, individuals wishing to try a herbal formula for depression containing hyperforin, can buy stabilized St. John’s Wort to administer more precise dosages.
- St. John’s Wort by Nature’s Way (Standardized 0.3% hypericin)
- Full Spectrum St. John’s Wort by Planetary Formulas (Standardized 0.3% hypericin)
Herbs for depression (clinically unproven, but believed to help):
1. valerian by Planetary Formulas (standardized 0.8% valerenic acid)
2. gingko biloba by Vitamin Shoppe (Liquid Extract)
4. Kava kava (by Now Foods)
5. licorice
6. ginger
7. clove
8. basil
9. sage
10. thyme
11. rosemary
12. yohimbine (Indian Snakeroot) by Swanson Premium Brand
13. damiana
14. B vitamins
Beyond Naturopathic Remedies and Herbs for Depression: Natural Amino Acids
L-Dopa, levodopa, or dopamine supplements made from velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), are considered the most effective OTC treatments for depression. A close runner up in the best dopamine supplementation category is S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), which may be effective as a treatment for depression when combined with folic acid and vitamins B6 / B12. SAM-e isn’t a herb, but a substance derived from L-methionine (an amino acid). Studies indicate that SAMe acts quickly and is generally safe. The dosage is important therefore, although available over-the-counter, should only be taken under medical supervision.
5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is another natural remedy thought to increase serotonin. 5-HTP is an amino acid found in foods like leafy greens, veggies such as pumpkin and lean turkey, but in low concentrations. Dietary supplements offer a means to get higher and more controlled dosages. 5-HTP is derived from the black seedpods of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia, used to treat depression and sleep disorders, but as with many naturopathic remedies, there’s limited evidence as to its effectiveness.
- SAMe by Source Naturals (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)
- 5-HTP by Natrol (Time-release Mood Enhancer Tablets)
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan capsules by Nature’s Bounty (contains Htp, vitamin B, magnesium, niacinamide and valerian root)
Get Immediate Medical Attention for Chronic Depression
Individuals with moderate depression may find relief using wellness formulas like Amoryn, stabilized St. John’s Wort, Mucuna pruriens, SAMe, 5-HTP, B vitamins or herbal blends, but anyone with severe / chromic depression MUST get immediate medical attention with supervised medication (naturopathic and/or pharmaceutical).
- NaturAll Calm capsules by Grandma’s Herbs (with St. Johns Wort)
For more information on non-HRT menopause supplements, female prohormones, supplements for memory, and to investigate whether collagen supplements actually work or if there are better anti-inflammatory joint pain supplements, please consult related Effective Human posts.
