Polyphenols as novel interventions for depression: Exploring the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and implications for future research

Elizabeth Gamage; Rebecca Orr; Nikolaj Travica; Melissa M Lane; Thusharika Dissanayaka; Jee Hyun Kim; Giuseppe Grosso; Justyna Godos; Wolfgang Marx

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105225

Polyphenols as novel interventions for depression: Exploring the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and implications for future research

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2023 Aug:151:105225. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105225. Epub 2023 May 9.

Authors

Elizabeth Gamage¹, Rebecca Orr², Nikolaj Travica², Melissa M Lane², Thusharika Dissanayaka², Jee Hyun Kim², Giuseppe Grosso³, Justyna Godos³, Wolfgang Marx²

Affiliations

¹ Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia. Electronic address: egamage@deakin.edu.au.
² Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia.
³ Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.

PMID: 37164045
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105225

Abstract

Numerous animal and human studies have assessed the relationship between polyphenols and outcomes related to depression. However, no comprehensive synthesis of the main findings has been conducted. The aim of this manuscript was to systematically review the available evidence from animal and human studies on the association and the effects of dietary polyphenols on depression and provide recommendations for future research. We based our review on 163 preclinical animal, 16 observational and 44 intervention articles assessing the relationship between polyphenols and outcomes related to depression. Most animal studies demonstrated that exposure to polyphenols alleviated behaviours reported to be associated with depression. However, human studies are less clear, with some studies reporting an inverse relationship between the intake of some polyphenols, and polyphenol rich foods and depression risk and symptoms, while others reporting no association or effect. Hence, while there has been extensive research conducted in animals and there is some supporting evidence in humans, further human studies are required, particularly in younger and clinical populations.

Keywords: Depression; Epidemiology; Major depressive disorder; Nutrition psychiatry; Polyphenols; Preclinical.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Depression* / drug therapy
Humans
Polyphenols* / pharmacology
Polyphenols* / therapeutic use

Substances

Polyphenols