In 2025, Rachael Frost and team from Frontiers looked at 209 clinical trials testing 64 over-the-counter products like herbs and supplements for depression in adults. They checked if these helped symptoms more than placebos or matched antidepressants, grouping results by strong evidence (over 10 trials), emerging (2-9), or single studies.

Ashwagandha, a powerful herb used in traditional medicine, has been shown in a 2025 review to help reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It also supports better sleep and sharper mental focus, boosting overall feelings of well-being—even for older adults aged 60–85.