Researchers tested whether a natural supplement called Morinda officinalis combined with beneficial bacteria (probiotics) could help people with depression who also had stomach problems. In an 8-week study with 108 patients, the supplement group showed better sleep within just 2 weeks compared to the placebo group. However, the treatment didn’t significantly improve overall depression symptoms. The good news is that the supplement was safe with only mild side effects. This research suggests that our gut health might play a role in depression, but more studies are needed to understand how and who benefits most.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant supplement combined with good bacteria could help people with depression who also experience stomach issues
  • Who participated: 108 adults diagnosed with major depression who also had digestive problems, recruited from a hospital in Beijing
  • Key finding: The supplement group experienced better sleep within 2 weeks compared to placebo, but overall depression scores improved equally in both groups by week 8
  • What it means for you: If you have depression with stomach problems, this supplement may help you sleep better in the short term, but it may not be a standalone treatment for depression itself. Talk to your doctor before trying it, as more research is needed to confirm these findings

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers divided 108 people with depression into two groups: one received the natural supplement (Morinda officinalis) plus probiotics (beneficial bacteria), while the other group received the supplement plus a placebo (fake pill). Neither the patients nor the researchers knew who got the real probiotics, which helps prevent bias. The study lasted 8 weeks, and researchers measured depression and sleep symptoms at different time points.

The supplement contained four types of beneficial bacteria that naturally live in healthy digestive systems. Researchers chose this combination because they wanted to test whether improving gut health could help with depression symptoms. This approach is based on newer scientific understanding that our gut bacteria may influence our mood and mental health.

This study design is important because it helps prove whether the supplement actually works or if people just feel better because they expect to. By comparing to a placebo group and keeping both patients and doctors blinded, researchers can be more confident that any differences are real. The 8-week timeframe allows researchers to see both quick effects and longer-term changes.

This study has several strengths: it was registered before it started (which prevents researchers from changing their goals), it used a double-blind design, and it measured outcomes using a standard depression rating scale used worldwide. However, the study was relatively small (108 people) and conducted at only one hospital in China, so results may not apply to everyone. The fact that overall depression didn’t improve much suggests the supplement may have limited benefits for depression specifically.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that the supplement combined with probiotics did not significantly improve overall depression scores compared to placebo after 8 weeks. Both groups showed similar improvements in their depression ratings, suggesting that the supplement wasn’t more effective than placebo for treating depression itself.

However, there was one notable exception: people taking the real probiotics experienced better sleep improvements within just 2 weeks compared to the placebo group. This early benefit for sleep is interesting because insomnia is a common problem in people with depression. About 35% of the probiotic group showed early improvement by week 2, and about 52% showed improvement by the end of the study.

The researchers also looked at which patients were most likely to respond to treatment. They found that women and people with a family history of mental health problems were less likely to benefit from the supplement. This suggests that the supplement may work better for certain groups of people, though more research is needed to understand why.

Side effects were minimal and similar in both groups, with only about 5.6% of people experiencing mild stomach problems like diarrhea or constipation. This is good news for safety. The fact that both groups had the same rate of side effects suggests that the probiotics themselves weren’t causing problems. The study also showed that early response to treatment (improvement within 2 weeks) didn’t necessarily predict who would do well by the end of 8 weeks, meaning short-term improvement doesn’t guarantee long-term benefits.

This research builds on growing evidence that our gut bacteria may influence our mood and mental health—a field called the gut-brain axis. Previous studies have suggested links between gut health and depression, but most haven’t tested specific supplements. This study is one of the first to test this particular combination of probiotics with Morinda officinalis in people with depression. The finding that probiotics helped sleep but not overall depression is somewhat surprising and suggests that gut health may affect specific symptoms rather than depression as a whole.

Several important limitations should be considered: First, the study only included 108 people from one hospital in China, so results may not apply to other populations or countries. Second, the supplement didn’t improve overall depression, which was the main goal of the study. Third, the study only lasted 8 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if they fade over time. Fourth, researchers didn’t measure gut bacteria directly, so they couldn’t confirm that the probiotics actually changed the gut microbiome. Finally, the study didn’t compare the supplement to standard depression medications, so we don’t know how it compares to proven treatments.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the supplement appears safe to try if you have depression with stomach problems, but it should not replace standard depression treatments like therapy or medication. The evidence for sleep improvement is moderate (one positive finding in one study), while evidence for overall depression improvement is weak (no significant benefit). If you’re interested in trying this supplement, discuss it with your doctor first, especially if you’re already taking depression medications. Confidence level: Low to Moderate for sleep benefits; Low for depression benefits.

This research may be relevant for people with depression who also have digestive problems and are interested in natural approaches. It may be particularly worth discussing with your doctor if you struggle with sleep as part of your depression. However, people with severe depression should not rely on this supplement alone. People taking other medications should check with their doctor before starting probiotics, as there can be interactions.

Based on this study, if the supplement helps you, you might notice sleep improvements within 2 weeks. However, overall depression improvements would take the full 8 weeks to evaluate. It’s important to continue other depression treatments while trying this supplement and to give it at least 8 weeks before deciding if it’s working for you.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track sleep quality and duration daily using a simple 1-10 scale, plus note any digestive symptoms (bloating, constipation, diarrhea). Record these in your app each morning to see if the supplement correlates with sleep improvements over 2-4 weeks.
  • Start taking the supplement consistently as directed while maintaining a log in your app. Also track your mood using the app’s mood tracker to see if sleep improvements lead to better overall mood over time. Set a reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day.
  • Create a weekly summary view in your app showing sleep quality, digestive symptoms, and mood scores. After 4 weeks, review the trends to see if there’s a pattern. After 8 weeks, compare your baseline scores to current scores. Share this data with your doctor to help decide if the supplement is working for you and whether to continue it.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Depression is a serious condition that requires proper medical care. Before starting any supplement, including probiotics or Morinda officinalis, consult with your doctor or mental health professional, especially if you’re currently taking depression medications or have other health conditions. This supplement should not be used as a replacement for proven depression treatments like therapy or medication. If you’re having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a mental health crisis line or emergency services immediately.