Evidence supporting the use of: Thymoquinone
For the health condition: Depression
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Thymoquinone, the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa (black seed), has been investigated in several preclinical studies for its potential antidepressant effects. Most of the evidence comes from animal models, where thymoquinone has demonstrated antidepressant-like activity, possibly due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Mechanistically, studies suggest that thymoquinone may modulate neurotransmitter levels (such as serotonin and dopamine), reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain, all of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression.
However, the clinical evidence supporting the use of thymoquinone or Nigella sativa extracts for depression in humans is sparse. A few small-scale human studies and pilot trials with Nigella sativa (not isolated thymoquinone) have reported improvements in mood or reductions in symptoms related to anxiety and depression, but these studies are limited in size, design quality, and sometimes do not isolate thymoquinone as the active compound. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence from preclinical and limited clinical studies, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, the evidence level is rated as 2 (weak preliminary scientific support), and thymoquinone should not be considered a proven or primary treatment for depression at this time.
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
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Angelica
Apigenin
Albizia
Agmatine
Agarwood
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Broussonetia
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Biopterin
Butea monosperma
Beef liver
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
bacoside
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Biogenic amine
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Crocin
Clary sage
Catalpol
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Chocolate
Creatine
Curcuma
Cowslip
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
Fish
Fatty acids
Glycine
jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
yohimbine
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Thymoquinone
AbscessesAcne
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema