Alternative therapies for depression, diabetes, and obesity.(Brief Article)

Natural medicine and supplements are used widely in the United States; many products carry claims of therapeutic effects but medical research does not always support their effectiveness. Clinical trials have shown that St John's wort is more effective than placebo for treatment of mild to moderate depression, but its side effects and interactions with other medications require further investigation. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) has enough of an antidepressent effect to warrant further research. More studies are needed before garlic, bitter melon, soy, and fenugreek supplements can be recommended …