#Saffron

A global review of 64 over-the-counter and natural remedies for depression finds only a few with solid evidence of benefit. Published in 2025, the study urges caution against aggressive marketing of supplements and provides guidance for Thai consumers and healthcare professionals seeking safe, accessible options.

Depression affects people worldwide, including Thailand, where symptoms surged after the COVID-19 era and amid ongoing economic pressures. In Thai communities, mental health stigma still leads many to try herbs or traditional medicines instead of seeking professional care. Data from international research underscore the need for reliable information on effective treatments.

A sweeping new scientific review analyzing 64 commonly used natural and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for depression has revealed that just a few have real evidence backing their effectiveness, raising important questions for both Thai consumers and healthcare professionals seeking safe, accessible options for managing mental health. The findings, published in 2025 and featured on Science Daily, challenge widespread assumptions about the power of widely sold supplements and herbs, highlighting which products may truly help—and which may offer nothing more than hope in a bottle.