Antidepressant Potential of Flavonoids: A Systematic Review

By 2030, depression a major contributor to disability worldwide is expected to rank third in terms of disease burden. Monoamine dysregulation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced neuroplasticity are all involved in its pathogenesis. There is a search for safer natural agents because current antidepressants (TCAs, MAOIs, and SSRIs) are effective but have side effects. The preclinical evidence that flavonoids, including orientin, liquiritin, isoquercitrin, astilbin, and dihydromyricetin, have antidepressant-like effects through HPA axis modulation, BDNF signaling enhancement, MAO inhibition, and neuroinflammation reduction is summarized in this review. Their multitarget profiles indicate that they may be used as primary or supplemental treatments for depression.