Nutraceuticals that can be prescribed to combat the effects of Sickness Syndrome depression have specific properties. While each has key properties specific to its chemical composition, they all share an ability to address Sickness Syndrome depression symptoms in one or more ways:

• Mediating hypoglycemic actions through cortisol-regulating activity
• Regulating corticosteroid-induced inflammation and insulin resistance
• Inhibiting lipooxygenase, cyclooxygenase 2, leukotriene
• Providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits

Within this overall classification, we can further subdivide the nutraceuticals into two categories by virtue of their primary mechanisms of action.

Category I

The following eight nutraceuticals (which merely represent a handful of examples) offer the following mechanisms of action: act as anti-inflammatory and NF Kappa B modulator, able to traverse the blood-brain barrier, provide antioxidant protection. Their specific benefits are detailed below.

Sesame Seed oil - Both sesamin and sesamolin inhibit IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB function activation. Precursors from sesame seeds are converted by bacterial microflora in the colon to mammalian lignans. As effective as flax seeds in producing lignans, sesamin has strong free radical scavenging capability.

Curcuma longa extract - Also known as turmeric, this extract of curcumin inhibits lipooxygenase, cyclooxygenase 2, leukotrienes, thromboxane, TNF-α and IL-12.

Proteolytic Enzymes - Potent anti-inflammatory proteolytic enzymes increase antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) while reducing inflammatory cytokines — specifically TNF-α, IL-1β.

Camellia sinensis (standardized for EGCG) - The tea plant which is the source of green tea extract, Camellia sinensis is a weak NF kappa B modulator. Keep in mind that we do not want to entirely shut down weak NF kappa B activity due to its role in supporting immune function. The fact that this herbal medicine only weakly inhibits its activity speaks to the elegance of nature in its infinite wisdom- to only modify the actions of key biochemical players- enough to maintain balance. This cannot be said for pharmaceutical agents designed to entirely block the actions of this family of transcription factors.

Humulus lupulus (terpenoids) - Also known as the common hops plant, it serves as a weak NF kappa B modulator.

Pycnogenol® - A natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree native to the coast of southwest France, Pycnogenol® is an antioxidant modulator of NF Kappa B.

Boswellia serrata - An Indian herb also known as Shallaki, its resin contains boswellic acids which inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, leukotriene synthesis and leukocyte elastase. Clinical trials report promising results supporting anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia extract in RA, UC and Crohn's.

Withania somnifera - Known as Ashwagandha in Ayurvedic literature, the extract derived from the root has anti-inflammatory properties. The methanolic extract also has antibacterial properties.

Category II

The following four nutraceuticals (examples) provide the following physiologic benefits: regulate cortisol/insulin/ blood sugar, nourish the adrenal glands, provide antioxidant protection, increase alpha brain wave activity and offer overall adaptogenic actions. They each also offer specific benefits as detailed below.

Wildcrafted Holy Basil - Referred to as the "Queen of Herbs" and the "incomparable one" in Ayurvedic Medicine, Holy Basil mediates hypoglycemic effects through cortisol inhibiting activity as well as regulating corticosteroid induced inflammation and insulin resistance.

Rhodiola rosea - Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing mental fatigue, improving cognitive functioning, enhancing sense of well being and regulating cortisol levels. An anti-inflammatory, it lowers CRP levels after exhausting exercise, and contains proanthocyanidins that cross the blood-brain barrier.

Suntheanine® - Research has shown that L-Theanine increases alpha brain wave activity, improves learning performance, heightens mental acuity, and promotes concentration while diminishing social anxiety.

Schizandra berry extract - A creeping vine native to Northern China, extracts from its berries enhance and protect overall cellular vitality and maintain healthy nerve and adrenal gland function.

Additional Effective Approaches

In addition to the above nutraceuticals, both yoga and meditation have proven to be effective in regulating Vagal output and decreasing stress levels which decreases cortisol resistance. As a result, the inflammatory process is short-circuited, and with it the production of proinflammatory brain cytokines that ultimately cause depression.

Regulating Vagal output prevents synthesis of proinflammatory brain cytokines that cause depression in Sickness Syndrome patients. In addition to regulating Vagal output, meditation and yoga increase activity in the left frontal region of the brain associated with positive emotions.

Additionally, a 3 week Purification Program provides the necessary foundation upon which to further refine your treatment strategy. An effective Purification Program will result in a significant reduction in inflammatory load-both systemically and in the brain- by virtue of its actions in improving immune function, reducing free radical activity, and promoting endocrine balance. Combined with the above-mentioned nutraceuticals, these three approaches are effective weapons against the effects of major depression, an illness considered the leading cause of disability in countries all over the world.