Evidence supporting the use of: Camellia sinensis
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green, black, and other teas are derived, has been investigated for its potential effects on mood and depression. The primary bioactive compounds in Camellia sinensis include L-theanine, caffeine, catechins (such as EGCG), and polyphenols. Some scientific studies suggest that regular consumption of green tea may be associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitter systems (such as serotonin and dopamine), antioxidant activity, and reduction of inflammation—all of which may play roles in the pathophysiology of depression.

L-theanine, in particular, has been shown in small clinical trials to promote relaxation and reduce psychological stress, which could indirectly support mood. Some epidemiological studies in East Asian populations have found an inverse relationship between green tea consumption and depressive symptoms. However, these studies are largely observational, and controlled clinical trials in humans specifically targeting depression are limited and show mixed results.

Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and emerging evidence for Camellia sinensis influencing mood, the evidence is not robust or consistent enough to consider it a primary treatment for depression. It may have adjunctive benefits, but should not replace evidence-based therapies for depression. The rating of 2 reflects limited but suggestive scientific evidence, mostly from observational and mechanistic studies.

More about Camellia sinensis
More about Depression

Other ingredients used for Depression

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
tongkat ali
almond fruit
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
whey protein
zinc
suma
gastrodia
mugwort
alpinia galangal
commiphora
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caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
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yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
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Bee products
bacoside
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Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
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Clary sage
Catalpol
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Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Chocolate
Creatine
Curcuma
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Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Canscora
Cannabichromene
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Flavonoids
Glycine
jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
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walnut
yohimbine
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Products containing Camellia sinensis

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