The Detoxification and Mental Health Connection

Posted: February 2024

Author: Katie Donnelly, Adv Dip HSc Naturopathy

The Detoxification and Mental Health Connection
 

Although the body itself has extensive detoxification mechanisms, it is common for organs to require additional support. Growing evidence supports a clear association between toxin accumulation and poorer mental health outcomes, with lifestyle and environmental toxicity as contributing factors.¹ Nutritional deficiency and prevalence of chronic illness further contribute to alterations in endocrine function, genetic formation, enzyme and microbiome disruption, and subsequent dysfunction.²

Similarly, respiratory illness such as asthma are increased in association with poor air quality and are correlated to increased anxiety.¹ Skin and respiratory health can equally be influenced by mould exposure from leaky homes, also a contributing factor in fatigue, brain fog, and depression.³

As a synergistic medium, phytotherapy can be used to address both physical and psychological ailments associated with poor detoxification.

The nutrient rich nature of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) contributes to significant detoxification actions, with notable phenols, vitamins, and minerals. The high potassium content of the leaves, for example, are thought to contribute to diuretic actions. Potent antioxidant presence supports the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and promotes anti-inflammatory actions.⁴

Equally, flavonoids including quercetin and luteolin have been attributed with inhibiting porcine pancreatic lipase. Animal model studies involving a high-fat diet with dandelion supplementation resulted in lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.⁵

Maintaining cholesterol levels and optimal liver function are crucial for managing inflammation, a key factor in mental wellbeing. C-reactive protein levels and platelet measures are noted to be higher in those diagnosed with depression. Systemic inflammation and increased interleukin-6 (Il-6) presence and dysregulation is correlated with increased fatigue and poor-quality sleep, also key factors in mental health disturbance.⁶

In a cyclical manner, poorer mental health is associated with increased alcohol intake, which then enhances inflammation, and intensity of anxiety and depression.

Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) antioxidant action also reduces ROS and lipid oxidation, supporting liver health. The regeneration of damaged liver cells was noted in animal model studies, showing DNA repair with regular supplementation. This confirms traditional uses of C. scolymus as a hepatoprotective, often used for conditions including hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In a similar manner, this herb has demonstrated increased excretion of nicotine via the kidneys.⁷

Another commonly used herb for liver support, Schisandra chinensis (schisandra) is also a protective option for the elimination pathway of the kidneys. Recent studies on diabetes-induced kidney disease identified alterations in the inflammatory cascade associated with schisandra use. Levels of IL-10 were upregulated, while IL-1β, IL-6, and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α were all decreased.⁸

Separate studies also identified hydroethanolic globe artichoke leaf as a successful chelating option for heavy metal exposure.⁷

Heavy metal toxicity is correlated to cognitive conditions in a dose-dependent manner, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease. Concentration and exposure are linked to environmental contamination, and are a growing concern in soil and water, and subsequently food. Consistent exposure causes cells apoptosis via increased and ongoing oxidative stress.^9,10

Arctium lappa (burdock) has shown similar cellular protection against lead, as well as acetaminophen. Traditionally used as a blood-cleansing herb, burdock has notable free-radical scavenging actions. Studies on burdock highlighted the role of antioxidants, including lignans and flavonoids, in reducing acetaminophen-toxicity liver injury and repairing tissue damage.¹¹

Traditional healing modalities have further recognised the energetic relationship between organ wellbeing and psychological symptoms for centuries.¹² In more recent times, the physiological mechanisms contributing to this have become clearer. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, liver imbalance is linked, for example, with emotional anger and fear. More recent studies have shown a clear relationship between hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis stimulation from stress, and increased development of liver disease.^13,14

The silymarins in Silybum marianum (milk thistle), a common choice for liver conditions and antioxidant actions, have further shown serotonergic system interaction.¹⁵

Berberine in Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) then supports balance of the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Nourishment of the GI tract reduces inflammation and intestinal wall permeability, then improving nutrient utilisation. Studies have identified lower Lactobacillus with higher Lachnospiraceae levels after experiencing stressful events, which can be regulated on berberine supplementation.^16,17

While some exposure to potentially harmful substances can place pressure on the body, and detoxification organs, phytotherapy can support restored a balanced homeostasis.
 

References

1. Bhui K, Newbury JB, Latham RM, Ucci M, Nasir ZA, Turner B, O'Leary C, Fisher HL, Marczylo E, Douglas P, Stansfeld S, Jackson SK, Tyrrel S, Rzhetsky A, Kinnersley R, Kumar P, Duchaine C, Coulon F. Air quality and mental health: evidence, challenges and future directions. BJPsych Open. 2023 Jul 5;9(4):e120. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.507
2. Sears ME, Genuis SJ. Environmental determinants of chronic disease and medical approaches: recognition, avoidance, supportive therapy, and detoxification. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:356798. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/356798
3. Harding CF, Liao D, Persaud R, DeStafno RA, Page KG, Stalbow LL, Roa T, Ford JC, Goman KD, Pytte CL. Differential effects of exposure to toxic or nontoxic mold spores on brain inflammation and Morris water maze performance. Behavioural Brain Research. 2023 Mar 28; 442(114294). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.202114294
4. Olas B. New Perspectives on the Effect of Dandelion, Its Food Products and Other Preparations on the Cardiovascular System and Its Diseases. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 24;14(7):1350. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071350.
5. Kania-Dobrowolska M, Baraniak J. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds Supporting the Therapy of Co-Existing Diseases in Metabolic Syndrome. Foods. 2022 Sep 15;11(18):2858. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11182858.
6. Milaneschi Y, Kappelmann N, Ye Z, Lamers F, Moser S, Jones PB, Burgess S, Penninx BWJH, Khandaker GM. Association of inflammation with depression and anxiety: evidence for symptom-specificity and potential causality from UK Biobank and NESDA cohorts. Mol Psychiatry. 2021 Dec;26(12):7393-7402. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01188-w.
7. Miraj S, and Kiani S. Study of therapeutic effects of Cynara scolymus L.: A review. Der Pharmacia Lettre. 2016; 8(9):168-173. Available from: https://www.skums.ac.ir/Dorsapax/Data/Sub_39/File/ProfessorsArticles_etoolsfile1_ce4873dc-2f16-4a9c-9e8c-4612be035f76p9-056ceac5-8927-463f-81f2-0b2d64bed33a.pdf
8. Li H, Dong A, Li N, Ma Y, Zhang S, Deng Y, Chen S, Zhang M. Mechanistic Study of Schisandra chinensis Fruit Mixture Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experimental Validation to Improve the Inflammatory Response of DKD Through AGEs/RAGE Signaling Pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2023;17:613-632. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S395512
9. Jaishankar M, Tseten T, Anbalagan N, Mathew BB, Beeregowda KN. Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2014 Jun;7(2):60-72. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2014-0009
10. Ayuso-Álvarez A, Simón L, Nuñez O, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Martín-Méndez C, Bel-lán E, López-Abente G, Merlo J, Fernandez-Navarro P, Galán I. Association between heavy metals and metalloids in topsoil and mental health in the adult population of Spain. Environmental Research. 2019; 179: 108784. Available from: https://doi.org/1016/j.envres.2019.108784
11. El-Kott AF, Bin-Meferij MM. Use of Arctium lappa Extract Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015 May 27;77:73-8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.curtheres.2015.05.001
12. Ye J, Cai S, Cheung WM, Tsang HWH. An East Meets West Approach to the Understanding of Emotion Dysregulation in Depression: From Perspective to Scientific Evidence. Front Psychol. 2019 Mar 28;10:574. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00574.
13. Lee YS, Ryu Y, Jung WM, Kim J, Lee T, Chae Y. Understanding Mind-Body Interaction from the Perspective of East Asian Medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:7618419. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7618419.
14. Vere CC, Streba CT, Streba LM, Ionescu AG, Sima F. Psychosocial stress and liver disease status. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jun 28;15(24):2980-6. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.15.2980.
15. Yaghmaei P, Oryan S, Mohammadi K, Solati J. Role of serotonergic system on modulation of depressogenic-like effects of silymarine. Iran J Pharm Res. 2012 Winter;11(1):331-7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813094/
16. Yang F, Gao R, Luo X, Liu R and Xiong D. Berberine influences multiple diseases by modifying gut microbiota. Front. Nutr. 2023;10:1187718. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1187718
17. Ouabbou S, He Y, Butler K, Tsuang M. Inflammation in Mental Disorders: Is the Microbiota the Missing Link? Neurosci Bull. 2020 Sep;36(9):1071-1084. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12264-020-00535-1