Eel's Head Powder Reduces Mild-Moderate Depression in Geriatric Individual: Result from Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Depression is one of the major problems, and the prevalence is higher among the elderly. The underlying mechanism of depression among this set of the population is multifactorial, and one of the most important factors in the pathophysiology of depression is the level of brain serotonin. Protein deficiency is linked to tryptophan deficiency that is known to be the essential material for the synthesis of serotonin. This randomized controlled trial looked for the effectiveness of eel's head powder administration on plasma tryptophan level and geriatric depression scale (GDS) scores among the elderly population who suffered from depression. The subjects were divided into three intervention groups, including groups that were given 2-week course of 5 mg/kg BW eel's head powder, 10 mg/kg BW eel's head powder, and placebo, respectively. There was a significant difference in plasma tryptophan level and geriatric depression scale between the 10 mg/kg BW group and 5 mg/kg BW group. There was also a significant difference between those given 10 mg/kg BW eel's head powder and those receiving placebo; however, no such difference was found between those in the 5 mg/kg BW eel's head powder group and placebo group. Eel's head powder administration could increase plasma tryptophan level and reduce geriatric depression scale score among older individuals who suffered from depression. Administration of 10 mg/kg BW eel's head powder was significant in increasing plasma tryptophan level and reducing GDS score.