Hawthorn Berry for Anxiety & Depression? Study Says...

study PMID: 35589704

Quick Summary: Research suggests that a specific type of Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus pinnatifida, also called Shan Zha) may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in mice, similar to some medications. It works differently than common antidepressants.

What The Research Found

The study found that Shan Zha, a type of Hawthorn Berry, showed effects similar to a common antidepressant medication in mice. It seemed to ease anxiety and depression-like behaviors. It appears to work by affecting specific brain chemicals, including boosting a brain growth factor called BDNF and activating a receptor called 5-HT1A. Importantly, unlike some antidepressants, it didn't affect a key brain chemical transporter (SERT).

Study Details

Who was studied: Mice that were experiencing stress.

How long: The summary doesn't specify the exact duration of the study.

What they took: Mice received a Shan Zha extract. The exact dose wasn't specified in the summary.

What This Means For You

This research is promising, but it's important to remember it was done on mice. It suggests that Hawthorn Berry might have potential benefits for anxiety and depression. Because it works differently than some medications, it might have fewer side effects. However, more research is needed before we know if it works the same way in people.

Study Limitations

The study was done on mice, not humans.

The exact dose of Hawthorn Berry used wasn't specified.

We don't know how long the effects last.

More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the best way to use Hawthorn Berry.

Key Findings

Shan Zha (Crataegus pinnatifida) alone induced significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in chronically stressed mice, matching the efficacy of both the full Novel Herbal Treatment (NHT) formula and escitalopram (an SSRI). Mechanistically, Shan Zha activated hippocampal and prefrontal cortex (PFC) 5-HT1A receptors and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNFT) levels (p<0.05 vs. stressed controls). Crucially, unlike escitalopram, Shan Zha did not alter serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in the PFC. In vitro assays confirmed none of the NHT herbs inhibited SERT activity in Xenopus oocytes, indicating a non-SSRI pathway.

Study Design

This preclinical study used a mouse model of chronic stress (exact sample size unspecified in summary). Researchers compared individual NHT herbs (including Shan Zha) against the full NHT formula, escitalopram, and controls. Behavioral tests (e.g., forced swim, elevated plus maze) assessed anxiety/depression-like behaviors. Biochemical analyses measured 5-HT1A receptor activity, BDNF, and SERT levels in brain tissue. Duration of treatment was not specified in the provided summary.

Dosage & Administration

The study administered Shan Zha as a standardized extract, but the exact dosage (mg/kg), preparation method, and treatment duration were not detailed in the provided summary. Administration occurred via oral route (implied by context of nutritional supplement testing).

Results & Efficacy

Shan Zha significantly reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in stressed mice, with efficacy statistically indistinguishable from escitalopram and NHT (p<0.05 for behavioral improvements vs. stressed controls). Biochemically, Shan Zha increased BDNF in the hippocampus and PFC (p<0.05) and activated 5-HT1A signaling. No significant changes in PFC SERT levels occurred with Shan Zha (vs. escitalopram, which altered SERT). In vitro, Shan Zha showed no SERT inhibition (IC50 >100 μM), confirming a distinct mechanism from SSRIs.

Limitations

Key limitations include: 1) Preclinical design (mice only), limiting direct human applicability; 2) Absence of detailed dosing, treatment duration, and sample size in the summary; 3) Focus on acute/chronic stress models without testing in non-stressed controls for baseline comparison; 4) Lack of pharmacokinetic data on active compounds; 5) No long-term safety assessment. Future research requires human clinical trials, dose-response studies, and isolation of specific bioactive constituents.

Clinical Relevance

While Shan Zha (sold as a supplement) shows promise as a non-SSRI alternative for anxiety/depression via 5-HT1A/BDNF pathways, this study does not support its current use as a replacement for prescribed antidepressants. Supplement users should note: 1) Effects observed only in stressed mice, not humans; 2) Optimal human doses unknown; 3) Safety profile in depression/anxiety populations unverified. The SERT-independent mechanism suggests potential for fewer SSRI-like side effects (e.g., sexual dysfunction), but clinical validation is essential before therapeutic application.