A new meta-analysis shows that S-adenosine methionine (SAMe) has a significant effect in boosting mood in people with depression, acts similar to certain antidepressant drugs, acts directly on the brain by affecting neurotransmitter methylation, and is associated with improved cognitive function to combat brain changes brought on by aging.

According to the World Health Organization, 970 million people worldwide suffer from mental health problems, with anxiety and depression being the most common.

Second only to ATP is S-adenosine methionine

S-adenosine methionine (SAMe) is an endogenous compound that occurs naturally in human cells and was first discovered by Giulio Cantoni in 1952.

SAMe is synthesized by methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the liver via methionine adenosine transferase and is involved in four key metabolic pathways in vivo: transmethylation, transthiolation, polyamine synthesis, and 5 ‘-deoxyadenosine 5’ -free radical mediated biochemical transformation.

S-adenosine methionine is the second largest enzyme substrate after ATP and can participate in more than 200 methyltransferase (MTase) -catalyzed reactions in the human body.

The metabolic process that produces, breaks down, and regenerates SAMe is known as the S-adenosine methionine cycle.

In this process, the conversion of homocysteine to methionine requires vitamin B12 as a cofactor and is linked to the folate cycle to form a carbon metabolism that is essential for biological processes such as DNA synthesis, methylation, immune function, and amino acid metabolism.

SAMe with brain & emotional health

In a 2024 report, the Mental Health Association of America (MHA) noted that 36 percent of adolescents in the United States have experienced more than one major depressive episode, while 65 percent say treatment has helped with “some symptoms.”

Meanwhile, according to China’s 2023 Blue Book on Mental Health, only 36 percent of Chinese citizens consider themselves in good mental health, while the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults is as high as 10.6 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively.

This set of data reveals the prevalence and urgency of mental health problems.

Studies have shown that levels of S-adenosine methionine are significantly lower in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with severe depression and Alzheimer’s disease, a finding that reveals a link between depression and methylation metabolism, pointing to the potential utility of SAMe in improving emotional health.

SAMe helps to enhance mood and support cognitive processes by promoting methylation processes, increasing the secretion of neurotransmitters, and improving the binding of neurotransmitters to receptor sites, thereby increasing serotonin and dopamine activity, promoting better brain cell membrane mobility.

The benefits of SAMe may also stem from its antioxidant properties, as SAMe is a precursor to the synthesis of glutathione, which helps detoxify cells by scavenging free radicals.

Since 1979, SAMe has been available as a prescription drug in Italy, Spain, Germany and other countries to improve depression and arthritis.
In 1999, SAMe was marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States through the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

About Gsh Bio-Tech

Anhui Gsh Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. It is an innovative high-tech enterprise with the core of enzyme catalysis technology in the field of synthetic biology and the cross-application of multi-disciplinary technology.

The company’s research and development center is located in Beijing Zhongguancun Science Park Fengtai Park, two production bases are located in Anhui, Jilin. The plant is designed and built according to GMP requirements, and the production and operation comply with EUGMP requirements.

The company’s main products are glutathione (GSH), creatine phosphate (CP), β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and adenosine methionine (SAMe) and other apis, among which glutathione, β-nicotinamide mononucleotide market share ranked top three in China, products are exported to Europe, America, South Korea, India and other parts of the world.

At present, the company’s Anhui production base is expanding, and it is in urgent need of dynamic young technical talents. Welcome people with lofty ideals at home and abroad to participate in the development of our company, realize self-value and create a better future.