Ivonne Soeliono, Ika Puspitasari, Andayana Puspitasari Gani, Lannie Hadisoewignyo
Food, like bananas, can be used as depression therapy. Bananas are known for their high tryptophan content. Tryptophan is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is closely related to the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression. This comprehensive review examines the available research on the link between banana consumption and mood. Screening of original articles or reviews was done on the Google Scholar database, Science Direct, MedLine (PubMed), Scielo, and Proquest with the keywords "banana," "Musa," "depression," and "anxiety" published no later than March 31, 2023. From 8.469 articles found, 18 studies were selected. From the experimental trial articles obtained (9 studies), most reported positive antidepressant and antianxiety effects, but not all were significant. The results of the three clinical trials were also inconsistent. Bananas have antianxiety and antidepressant properties, but the scientific literature on their efficacy is limited. Therefore, more evidence is needed to justify its use as a primary or adjunctive treatment for depression and anxiety. Copyright © 2025 by Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy (IJP).
Doctoral Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Jalan Sekip Utara, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University, Jalan Raya Kalisari Selatan No. 1, Pakuwon City, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Jalan Sekip Utara, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Academic Hospital of Gadjah Mada University, Jalan Kabupaten (Lingkar Utara), Special Region of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jalan Sekip Utara, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University, Jalan Raya Kalisari Selatan No. 1, Pakuwon City, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia
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