Mechanistic Insights into Medicinal Plants Used in Iranian Traditional Medicine for Depression

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Iran

3 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

10.22126/atic.2026.12764.1234

Abstract

Depression is a widespread mental disorder that significantly impairs physical and psychological health. Iranian traditional medicine, grounded in centuries of herbal knowledge, offers natural and low-risk options to alleviate depressive symptoms and improve emotional well-being. This review aims to identify key medicinal plants used in Iranian traditional medicine for depression and explore their mechanisms of action. For this purpose, a thorough review of authoritative Iranian traditional medicine texts, herbal pharmacopeias, and scientific literature was conducted. Data on plants with reported antidepressant properties were systematically gathered and analyzed. Results showed that numerous plants, including Melissa officinalis L., Curcuma longa L., Valeriana officinalis L., Hypericum perforatum L., Borago officinalis L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill. , Ocimum basilicum L., Coriandrum sativum L., Malus domestica Borkh., Crocus sativus L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Citrus aurantium L., Valeriana montana L., Rosa damascena Mill., Viola odorata L., Cichorium intybus L., Boswellia serrata Roxb., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Tanacetum vulgare L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Alcea rosea L., Thymus vulgaris L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Camellia sinensis, have shown antidepressant effects. Their efficacy is attributed to multiple mechanisms: enhancing GABA activity, modulating central nervous system function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These plants also exert anxiolytic effects by balancing hormonal activity and mitigating neuroinflammation. Beyond their therapeutic relevance, many of these species are recognized as medicinal and aromatic crops with considerable industrial value due to their use in phytopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, essential oils, and functional health products, highlighting their importance for the medicinal plant industry. In conclusion, medicinal plants used in Iranian traditional medicine demonstrate promising complementary potential for depression management through diverse biochemical pathways. However, more rigorous clinical and experimental studies are needed to validate their therapeutic efficacy and determine optimal dosages.

Graphical Abstract

Mechanistic Insights into Medicinal Plants Used in Iranian Traditional Medicine for Depression

Highlights

  • Depression is a widespread psychiatric disorder with high global burden and unmet therapeutic needs.
  • Iranian traditional medicine offers diverse medicinal plants with promising antidepressant properties.
  • Key herbs such as Melissa officinalis, Crocus sativus, Valeriana officinalis, and Hypericum perforatum show mechanistic efficacy in mood regulation.
  • The therapeutic effects are mediated through modulation of neurotransmitters, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory actions, and neuroprotective pathways.
  • Medicinal plants from Iranian traditional medicine may serve as safe and effective complementary interventions for depression.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Agrotechniques in Industrial Crops

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