Condition
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness in which brain signaling, including glutamate activity at NMDA receptors, is thought to go awry, shaping thoughts, motivation and emotion. Among supplements, the evidence is strongest for sarcosine, with moderate evidence for glycine and D-serine. Trials found overall symptoms improved with sarcosine and glycine, and cognition improved with D-serine. Still, these studies were small, the sarcosine finding rests on one trial, and people used them alongside usual antipsychotic medication.
Sources: PMID 16780811; PMID 14732596
- Supplements studied
- 21
- Graded outcomes
- 19
- Trials
- 30
- People studied
- 6,952
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia symptoms Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 1 study | 183 people | ||
Studies that measured schizophrenia symptoms | ||||||
| Cognition Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 98 people | ||
Studies that measured cognition | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 3 studies | 50 people | ||
| Cognition Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 17 people | |||
D-Serine
- Cognition: improves
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognition Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 262 people | |||
| Schizophrenia symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 6 studies | 429 people | ||
Studies that measured schizophrenia symptoms
| ||||||
Berberine
- Apolipoprotein B: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apolipoprotein B Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 127 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 1,397 people | |||
Studies that measured total cholesterol
| ||||||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 1,248 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 1,224 people | |||
Studies that measured triglycerides | ||||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,224 people | ||||
Chromium
- HbA1c: improves
- Weight: improves
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HbA1c Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 4 studies | 20 people | ||
Studies that measured hba1c
| ||||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 12 studies | 20 people | |||
Studies that measured weight
| ||||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 20 people | ||||
Theanine
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- Subjective Well-Being: improves
- Cortisol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 2 studies | 40 people | ||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 40 people | |||
Studies that measured subjective well-being
| ||||||
| Cortisol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 60 people | |||
| DHEAS | Improves (the measure goes up) | 60 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 60 people | ||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 40 people | ||||
| Serum BDNF | Improves (the measure goes up) | 60 people | ||||
| Serum DHEA | Improves (the measure goes up) | 60 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 60 people | ||||
Saffron
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
- Hemoglobin: improves
- Serum T3: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 66 people | ||
| Hemoglobin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 66 people | |||
Studies that measured hemoglobin | ||||||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 66 people | |||
Studies that measured serum t3 | ||||||
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 66 people | ||||
| Hematocrit | Improves (the measure goes up) | 66 people | ||||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 66 people | ||||
| Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone | Improves (the measure goes up) | 66 people | ||||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 66 people | ||||
Ashwagandha
- Blood glucose: improves
- Stress Signs and Symptoms: improves
- Heart Rate: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood glucose Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 25 people | ||
Studies that measured blood glucose | ||||||
| Stress Signs and Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 68 people | |||
Studies that measured stress signs and symptoms
| ||||||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 68 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 25 people | |||
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) | ||||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 68 people | |||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 68 people | ||||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 68 people | ||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 68 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 25 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 68 people | ||||
Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng)
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
- Working Memory: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 1 study | 64 people | ||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 64 people | |||
Studies that measured schizophrenia symptoms | ||||||
| Working Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 64 people | ||||
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
- Cognition: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognition Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 55 people | ||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 123 people | |||
Studies that measured depression symptoms | ||||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 340 people | |||
Studies that measured schizophrenia symptoms | ||||||
Ginkgo Biloba
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
- Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Mixed effect | 35 people | |||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 228 people | |||
Studies that measured schizophrenia symptoms
| ||||||
| Tardive Dyskinesia Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 157 people | |||
Studies that measured tardive dyskinesia symptoms | ||||||
| Serum BDNF | Improves (the measure goes up) | 157 people | ||||
Inositol
- Depression Symptoms
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depression Symptoms No effect | NoneNo effect | 5 studies | 21 people | |||
Studies that measured depression symptoms | ||||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 44 people | |||
Studies that measured schizophrenia symptoms | ||||||
L-Tyrosine
- Memory
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory No effect | NoneNo effect | 11 people | ||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 11 people |
Vitamin B12
- Cognition
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognition No effect | NoneNo effect | 55 people | ||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 55 people |
N-Acetylcysteine
- Processing Speed
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
- Working Memory: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing Speed No effect | NoneNo effect | 136 people | ||||
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 354 people | |||
| Working Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 136 people |
Resveratrol
- Body Fat
- Weight: improves
- Body Mass Index (BMI): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fat No effect | NoneNo effect | 516 people | ||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 1,265 people | |||
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,418 people | ||||
| Waist circumference | Improves (the measure goes down) | 753 people |
Probiotics
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 239 people |
Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 124 people |
Fish Oil
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 71 people |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 765 people |
Creatine
- Schizophrenia symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 12 people |
Key findings
- Schizophrenia symptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- CognitionImproves (the measure goes up)
- Apolipoprotein BImproves (the measure goes down)
The Schizophrenia protocol
2 primary supplements · 5 supporting supplements
Studies cited
100 studies from PubMed
- Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- The effects of probiotic supplementation on cardiometabolic health in patients with prediabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment.
- Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells and mitigates common cold-like symptoms in healthy adults: a meta-analysis of individual participant data.
- Effects of Withania somnifera supplementation on cognitive function: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and its withanolides attenuate oxidative and inflammatory signaling in the nervous system
- Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Clinical effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on human health: A systematic review of reviews
- A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacological Activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
- Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on Testosterone Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review
- Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: A review of chemical composition and pharmacological activities
- Does creatine supplementation improve glycemic control and insulin resistance in healthy and diabetic patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Probiotics and Immune Health: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives
- Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Resveratrol: A Potential Therapeutic Natural Polyphenol for Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction
- Resveratrol: An Overview of Clinical Trials in Human Cancer Prevention and Treatment
- Safety and Tolerability of L-Theanine Supplementation
- Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Improving Cardiorespiratory Endurance and Recovery in Healthy Athletic Adults: A Systematic Review
- Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Study in Healthy Volunteers
- Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
- Probiotics for Prevention and Treatment of Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Effects of Probiotics on Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
- Probiotics and Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- The Gut Microbiome, Probiotics, and Their Impact on Skin Health: A Review
- Resveratrol and Its Analogs: Potent Agents to Reverse Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Tumors
- Resveratrol and Sirtuins: A Story of Living Long Healthy Life
- Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of the Evidence
- Resveratrol as a Chemopreventive Agent: A Promising Molecule for Fighting Cancer
- L-Theanine: A Unique Amino Acid with Neuroprotective Properties
- L-Theanine and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
- L-Theanine in Psychiatric Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
- Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
- Efficacy and Safety of Ginkgo biloba in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis
- Health Benefits of Probiotics: A Review
- Probiotics: Comprehensive Review of Growth Promotion Mechanisms and Action in Food Products
- Probiotics: Classification, Mode of Action and Role in Human Nutrition
- Resveratrol and Health - A Comprehensive Review of Human Clinical Trials
- Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits
- Resveratrol and Caloric Restriction: The Role of Sirtuins in Aging and Age-Related Diseases
- The Multitarget Activity of Natural Bioactive Compounds in Parkinson's Disease: Role of Resveratrol
- Resveratrol: A New Treatment for Diseases Associated with Oxidative Stress
- The Effect of L-Theanine Incorporated in a Functional Food Product (Mango Sorbet) on Physiological Responses in Healthy Males: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
- Effects of L-Theanine on Anxiety and Stress: A Meta-Analysis
- Examining the Neuroprotective Effects of Ashwagandha: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Rats
- Berberine Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction in Obesity: A Review
- Berberine for NAFLD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Chromium in PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761): Pharmacological Activities and Clinical Outcomes
- Ginkgo biloba L. Historical Background and Current Applications in Medicine
- Ginkgo biloba and Brain Health: A Comprehensive Review
- Safety Profile of Ginkgo biloba Extract: Evidence from Clinical Trials
- Safety of Probiotics: A Comprehensive Review
- Probiotics, Prebiotics and Inflammation: A Review of the Science
- Probiotics and Healthy Ageing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Resveratrol-Based Compounds and Neurodegeneration: Recent Insight in Multitarget Neuroprotection
- An Overview of the Anticancer Properties of Resveratrol
- L-Theanine and Sleep Quality: A Review of Clinical Studies
- Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Health
- Berberine: A Plant-Derived Alkaloid with Therapeutic Applications
- Berberine and Gut Microbiota: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms
- Berberine Improves Glucogenesis and Lipid Metabolism in Diabetes: A Systematic Review
- Safety and Tolerability of Berberine: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
- Chromium Supplementation and Metabolic Diseases: Evidence from Clinical Trials
- Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Body Composition: A Systematic Review
- Safety of Chromium Supplementation: Evidence from Clinical Studies
- Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Ginkgo biloba Extract
- Neuroprotective Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract: A Review
- Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on Peripheral Arterial Disease: Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Extract for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis
- Myo-Inositol in Patients with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol in PCOS Treatment: A Meta-Analysis
- Inositol and Insulin Resistance: Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence
- Inositol and Depression: A Systematic Review
- An Update on Resveratrol and Diabetes: From Metabolism to Clinical Trial Results
- Caffeine and L-Theanine: Synergistic Effects on Cognition
- Effects of Berberine on Insulin Resistance: A Comprehensive Review
- Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Chromium and Insulin Sensitivity: A Review of Mechanisms
- Chromium Supplementation in Depression and Mood Disorders: A Review
- Chromium Supplementation and Glycemic Control in Diabetes: An Updated Review
- Ginkgo biloba Extract for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Cochrane Review Summary
- Ginkgo biloba for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Ginkgo biloba Special Extract EGb 761 in Dementia: A Review
- Inositol and PCOS: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Evidence
- Inositol in Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review
- Myo-Inositol in Gestational Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
- Inositol and Fertility: A Comprehensive Review
- Safety and Efficacy of Inositol in Clinical Practice: A Review
- World Gastroenterology Organisation Global Guidelines: Probiotics and Prebiotics
- Probiotics for Human Use: Current Advances and Future Perspectives
- L-Theanine and Alpha Brain Wave Activity: A Review
- The Role of Berberine in the Control of Metabolism: A Review
- Molecular Targets of Berberine and Its Derivatives: Focus on Cardiovascular Protection
- Chromium Picolinate in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
- Chromium Effects on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis
- Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba in Treating Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
- Inositol Effects on Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
- Pharmacological Effects of L-Theanine in Healthy Volunteers