Herbal Remedy Is Effective In Treating Depression, Without Side Effects

A clinical trial among patients diagnosed with mild to moderate major depressive disorder found a significant improvement in symptoms after taking roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) extract. The improvement was comparable to that experienced when taking the SSRI antidepressant sertraline, but with fewer side effects, especially among patients with milder symptoms. Sixty-three percent of the patients on sertraline experienced side effects – most commonly nausea and sexual dysfunction – compared to only 30 percent of patients taking roseroot. The U.S. researchers said the results were preliminary, but suggest that an herbal remedy might be the better choice for MDD patients who experience severe side effects from traditional antidepressants.