Loading…
Major depressive disorder, persistent low mood, and related mood conditions.
Compounds with published trial evidence for this condition, ranked by strength of evidence. Numbers come from the trial reports themselves — see each study via its PMID.
| Compound | Evidence strength | What trials suggest | Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5htp | 4 systematic review/meta-analysis outcomes | Depression remission rate was 0.65 across 13 studies, though placebo comparisons were limited.6/5 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 31504850 |
| Omega 3 | 2 systematic review/meta-analysis outcomes | Depression symptoms improved with an SMD of -0.28 vs placebo in 2160 participants.3/2 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 31383846 |
| Rhodiola Rosea | 1 systematic review/meta-analysis outcome | Controlled clinical trials found preliminary positive evidence of antidepressant effects for Rhodiola rosea compared with control.1/2 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 21601431 |
| Vitamin D3 | 1 systematic review/meta-analysis outcome | Cognitive behavioral therapy improved depression and quality of life more than undefined psychotherapy or placebo.2/2 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 35369008 |
| Saffron | 1 systematic review/meta-analysis outcome | Saffron had large antidepressant treatment effects compared with placebo across the identified clinical trials.1/1 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 25384672 |
Audited published findings per compound. Dark green = benefit findings; full bar = all findings. Drill into a pair for the breakdown.
These compounds appear in related research or traditional use. Their position is not a recommendation or ranking.
Be the first to share what has helped with depression.
Open the original papers, check their methods, and discuss what is relevant with a qualified professional.
Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Depression · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 41506003 ↗02Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisUrata M, et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology reports · 2025Systematic Review · matched via Depression · open-access full text · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40014460 ↗03Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsShafiee A, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2025Meta-Analysis · matched via Depression · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 38913392 ↗04An Examination into the Effects of a Saffron Extract (Affron) on Mood and General Wellbeing in Adults Experiencing Low Mood: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialLopresti AL, et al. · The Journal of nutrition · 2025Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Depression · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40414301 ↗05Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisCheng YC, et al. · Psychological medicine · 2025Systematic Review · matched via Depression · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40314175 ↗06Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Depression · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
Outcome summaries extracted from the linked papers' curated records. Educational, not medical advice.
Reduced with EPA-dominant omega-3s (26 trials)
Adults with depression · Meta-analysis · PMID 31545740 ↗Strong evidenceReduced02Depression scores — ImprovedModest improvement, especially in deficient patients
Adults with depression · Systematic review · PMID 36968291 ↗Strong evidenceImproved03Depressive symptoms — ReducedComparable effect to sertraline with fewer side effects
Adults with mild-moderate depression · Pilot study · PMID 25245715 ↗Weak evidenceReduced04Depressive symptoms — Reduced30mg saffron daily as effective as 20mg fluoxetine
Adults with mild-moderate depression · Double-blind randomised trial · PMID 20161974 ↗Moderate evidenceReducedFigures are reported as published; study designs and populations vary. Works for Us does not interpret results or provide medical advice.