Supplementary approaches to perinatal depression: a review of pathogenesis, herbal interventions, and dietary supplements.

2025-05-21
Frontiers in psychology 16
- Quancheng Yang
- Yi Lv
- Shenrong Gao
- Yu Zhang
- Xuejia Zhai

PubMed: 40491948
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1529339

Study Design

Type: Review

Although perinatal depression (PND) has garnered increasing attention, few specific pharmacological treatments exist, particularly for breastfeeding mothers concerned about antidepressant safety. The misconception that "natural is harmless" merits caution; herbal remedies and dietary supplements should be regarded as supplementary interventions pending robust safety evidence. This review summarizes recent advances in PND pathogenesis (neurotransmitter dysregulation, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and microbiota alterations) and emerging drug development strategies, alongside clinical evidence for herbal and dietary supplements. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise, significant limitations persist, including inconsistent efficacy, limited long-term safety data, and potential interactions with perinatal physiology. Caution is warranted until comprehensive studies validate the safety and reliability of natural interventions. This review underscores the need for rigorous trials to identify safe, effective PND treatments, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Research Insights

Saffron→Improved Depression Severity
RCT findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Saffron→Reduced Depression Symptoms
RCT findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Improved Depression Severity
RCT findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Vitamin D→Reduced Depression Symptoms
RCT findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Vitamin D→Overall tolerability
Randomized controlled trial (RCT) findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise, significant limitations persist, including inconsistent efficacy, limited long-term safety data, and potential interactions with perinatal physiology.
Finding
Reported
Saffron→Overall tolerability
Randomized controlled trial (RCT) findings reveal that while interventions like saffron and vitamin D show promise, significant limitations persist, including inconsistent efficacy, limited long-term safety data, and potential interactions with perinatal physiology.
Finding
Reported