Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. A depressed mood is a normal temporary reaction to life events such as loss of a loved one. It is also a symptom of some physical diseases and a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments. Depressed mood is also a symptom of some mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and dysthymia.
Newbouldia laevis is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree. It only reaches a height of 3 - 8 metres in the west of its range, but can attain a height of up to 20 metres in the east[200
, 307
, 332
]. The bole can be up to 90cm in diameter, but is usually less[332
].
The tree has a range of local medicinal uses, for which it is gathered from the wild. It is often grown as a living hedge to mark boundaries, and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it is valued for its flowers.
MEDICINAL
The tree, and especially the bark, is widely used in traditional medicine in Africa.
The bark is analgesic, stomachic.
A decoction is used in the treatment of coughs, diarrhoea and dysentery, whilst it is also given to children for treating epilepsy and convulsions.
A decoction of the bark, combined with chillies, is used in the treatment of chest pains.
The dried bark and young twigs, pounded up with spices such as Xylopia sp, are given in decoction or infusion to treat such complaints as uterine colic, dysmenorrhoea, etc.
The bark is given in the form of an enema as a treatment for constipation and piles.
One or two sniffs of a snuff made of the sun-dried bark ground up and combined with palm salt (K2CO3) and the fruits of Piper guineense are taken in the treatment of headache, sinusitis, head-colds, etc. It is said to dispel the most obstinate migraine.
Applied externally, the bark is said to cure a range of skin conditions including septic wounds, abscesses and ulcers; and is also used to treat snake-bite.
Heated in a little boiling water, it is patted on the head as a treatment for headache. Pulped up to a paste, it is applied to rheumatic joints, especially painful arthritis in the knee. In some cases a plaster is applied after massage.
The soft inner soft bark is put into the ear as a treatment for earache. It is also effective for depression. Extract of newbouldia laevis has been proven to have antidepressants qualities.
STANDARD DRUG
Amitriptyline still has a place in the pharmacological management of depressive episodes. The findings of this systematic review showed that in comparison with control agents, amitriptyline was slightly more effective, but the burden of side‐effects was greater for patients receiving it.
Abstract
Background: For many years amitriptyline has been considered one of the reference compounds for the pharmacological treatment of depression. However, new tricyclic drugs, heterocyclic compounds and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been introduced on the market with the claim of a more favourable tolerability/efficacy profile.
Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate the tolerability and efficacy of amitriptyline in comparison with the other tricyclic/heterocyclic antidepressants and with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
