Ketamine, benzoate, and sarcosine for treating depression.
Neuropharmacology February 1, 2023 Yu-Jung Cheng, Chieh-Hsin Lin, Hsien-Yuan Lane
A review compares the antidepressant mechanisms of sarcosine, benzoate, ketamine, esketamine, and arketamine. These compounds modulate N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) and reduce brain inflammation by inhibiting microglial activity. Though they act differently as antagonists or coagonists of NMDARs, all have shown efficacy in animal models or human trials. The review concludes that these drugs act as both NMDAR modulators and anti-inflammatory agents, making them potentially effective for treating depression.