Depression: An insight into Heterocyclic and Cyclic Hydrocarbon Compounds inspired from Natural Sources.

Depression, a well know mental disorder has global prevalence, nearly affecting 17% of population. Due to various limitations of the currently available drugs, people have been adopting traditional herbal medicines to alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is notable to mention that natural products, their derivatives, and their analogs are the main source for new drug candidates in depression. The mechanisms include interplay with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, serotonergic, dopaminergic noradrenergic systems, and elevation of BDNF levels. The focus of this review is to revisit the role of signalling molecules in depression and highlight the use of plant-derived natural compounds to counter depression in the CNS.