Plant antidepressants in selected species from the family Fabaceae – a review

Abstract

Depression is a serious social problem increasing globally. As specified by the World Health Organization (WHO), this common recurrent condition associated with mood disorders is the fourth most prevalent health problem in the world. Depression has been estimated to affect approximately 10% of the population. With its tendency to recur, the disease affects humans of all ages, regardless of their sex, ethnicity or health. It impedes or totally prevents normal functioning and is often a cause of disability. Many people suffering from depression are afraid to seek help from specialists for fear of being rejected by society or in the belief that this personal weakness can be overcome by themselves. Based on the available literature data, information about compounds with antidepressant activity contained in selected species from the family Fabaceae was collected with special emphasis on their location in the plant organs and on the postulated mechanisms of action.

Keywords

• Fabaceae
• depression
• biologically active compounds
• phytotherapy
• neurotransmitters