What Herbs Have Serotonin in Them?

Herbs do not specifically contain significant amounts of serotonin. However, there are many herbs that are believed to increase the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system.

Ginkgo Biloba

• The leaves of the Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) tree have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including asthma, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, memory enhancement and depression. According to an article published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ginkgo has been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase in animals. Monoamine oxidase inhibition leads to an increase in serotonin levels in the central nervous system.

Saint-John's Wort

• Saint-John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a small perennial shrub that is covered with fragrant yellow flowers. Both the flowers and leaves of the plant are used in herbal preparations. Saint-John's wort is a popular herbal treatment for depression.

  It is believed that Saint-John's wort increases serotonin levels in the brain. However, because Saint-John's wort contains several active components, some of which seem to act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and others as monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors, the overall mechanism of action for the herb is still not clearly understood.

Kava-Kava

• Kava-Kava (Piper methylsticum) is a perennial belonging to the pepper family. The root extract of the kava plant is marketed as a mood regulator that promotes positive emotions.

  The pharmacological properties of kava extract are believed to be due to kava pyrones, collectively referred to as kavalactones. Kavalactones may affect the levels of several different neurotransmitters in the blood, including serotonin, most likely through monoamine oxidase inhibition.

  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that kava supplements have been linked to a risk of severe liver damage.

Griffonia Simplicifolia

• 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is a metabolic precursor to serotonin. It is believed that dietary supplements of 5-hydroxytryptophan will lead to an increase in the production of serotonin in the body.

  A review of studies on the efficacy of 5-HTP prepared by The Cochrane Collaboration suggests that this substance is better than a placebo at alleviating depression, however, the evidence was of insufficient quality to be conclusive.