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Plantain (Musa paradisiaca), a staple food source for many people especially in the tropics, contains the neurotransmitter, serotonin which has analgesic and antidepressant effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of chronic consumption of plantain diet on pain perception and social behavior in mice.

In the first set of experiments, three groups of mice were either fed rodent chow (control) or 50 or 100 per cent plantain diet, while in a second set of experiments, another three groups of mice were fed either rodent chow (control) or 100 per cent plantain or plantain + ritanserin (serotonin antagonist) for 30 days. Response to pain stimuli was studied by hot plate and formalin tests. Also, the ability of the mice to fluff up suitable beds to build nestle from nesting material was used as an index for social behavior. Serotonin concentration in mice brain was measured using high performance liquid chromatography.

The results showed that plantain diet-fed mice consumed less food but gained more body weight than control mice. Pain perception was significantly reduced in the plantain diet-fed mice compared to the control. Social behavior was enhanced in the plantain diet-fed mice when compared to control (p < 0.05). There was significant increase in serotonin concentration in the brains of 100 per cent diet-fed mice. Administration of serotonin blocker, ritanserin reversed the effects observed in pain and social behavior tests.

Chronic consumption of plantain diet increases serotonin concentration in the brain, suppresses spontaneous perception of pain and improves social behavior in mice. These actions may involve serotonergic pathway.

The purpose of this paper is to study evidence-based records on the impact of some effective nutraceuticals on major depression disorder management; and describe the antidepressant properties of nutraceuticals to achieve health policy targets and maintain a sustainable healthcare system.

The literature was searched using MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, PsycINFO and Quertile databases and retrieving relevant published articles in peer-reviewed journals.

The results provided evidence of a range of nutraceuticals with potential benefits in the management of depression. Studies support the anti-depressant properties of S-adenosyl methionine, folnic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids. The results might represent evidence for an innovative adjunctive neurobiological line for the management and treatment of depression.

Randomized-controlled trials and evaluations continue to provide evidence for the use of nutraceuticals in the treatment of depression.

Nutraceuticals emphasize the personalized medicine, which offers a psychophysical balance to the individual.

Nutraceuticals have specific antidepressant properties that may be beneficial in psychiatric populations and reduce pharmacotherapeutic side effects.