Many substances naturally present in the human body are being discovered and found to have healing properties. One such compound is called SAMe, the scientific name for S-adenosylmethionine. This substance is found in every cell in our bodies and, on average, humans produce six to eight grams of SAMe daily. It takes part in several biological reactions in the human body, including balancing brain function, joint cartilage repair, liver detoxification and cell membrane activity.
SAMe and Depression
Among its many functions, SAMe is essential for the manufacture of substances called neurotransmitters that are vital for the healthy functioning of the brain. Specifically SAMe may enhance the production and impact of the mood-boosting messengers in the brain - serotonin and dopamine. An imbalance in these substances is now known to be a major factor in depression. Since the 1990’s, many medical trials have been conducted using SAMe in the treatment of depression.
The overwhelming consensus of these studies is that SAMe is at least as good as, and probably better than many antidepressant drugs in treating depressive illness. Study after study confirmed that SAMe is not only effective but also remarkably non-toxic with few side effects. It is fast acting and well tolerated even by the elderly or the mentally disturbed.