Standardized extracts ease mild-to-moderate low mood about as well as standard antidepressants, with fewer side effects. Weaker signals cover menopausal and premenstrual symptoms, winter low mood, and topical wound care. The defining catch is interference: it speeds the body's drug-clearing systems, quietly weakening birth control, blood thinners, and many other medications. Not shown for severe depression. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| PHQ-9 | 0–4 (minimal) | Tracks whether mood is actually improving |
| ALT | < 25 U/L (men), < 20 U/L (women) | Screens for the rare liver signal and baseline for interacting drugs |
| INR | 2.0–3.0 (if on warfarin) | Detects loss of blood-thinning effect from enzyme induction |
| hs-CRP | < 1.0 mg/L | Contextualizes the inflammation–mood link and tracks a longevity-relevant marker |
| TSH | 1.0–2.0 mIU/L | Rules out thyroid disease masquerading as depression |
| 25-hydroxyvitamin D | 40–60 ng/mL | Low vitamin D is linked to low mood and is easily corrected |
Cadence: Reassess mood and tolerability at ~2 and 6 weeks, then every 3–6 months; for those on an interacting essential medication, add drug-specific checks such as INR within 1–2 weeks of starting and stopping