The Application of Large Language Models on Major Depressive Disorder Support Based on African Natural Products

TL;DR

This paper explores how large language models can integrate African traditional medicinal knowledge with modern AI to develop accessible, evidence-based depression support systems that respect cultural heritage and enhance mental health care.

Contribution

It introduces a novel AI-powered support system combining African natural products and large language models for depression management, bridging traditional medicine and modern technology.

Findings

AI system provides evidence-based info on African herbal medicines

Demonstrates potential for personalized, culturally sensitive depression support

Highlights integration of traditional knowledge with AI enhances mental health care

Abstract

Major depressive disorder represents one of the most significant global health challenges of the 21st century, affecting millions of people worldwide and creating substantial economic and social burdens. While conventional antidepressant therapies have provided relief for many individuals, their limitations including delayed onset of action, significant side effects, and treatment resistance in a substantial portion of patients have prompted researchers and healthcare providers to explore alternative therapeutic approaches (Kasneci et al.). African traditional medicine, with its rich heritage of plant-based remedies developed over millennia, offers a valuable resource for developing novel antidepressant treatments that may address some of these limitations. This paper examines the integration of large language models with African natural products for depression support, combining traditional knowledge with modern artificial intelligence technology to create accessible, evidence-based mental health support systems. The research presented here encompasses a comprehensive analysis of African medicinal plants with documented antidepressant properties, their pharmacological mechanisms, and the development of an AI-powered support system that leverages DeepSeek's advanced language model capabilities. The system provides evidence-based information about African herbal medicines, their clinical applications, safety considerations, and therapeutic protocols while maintaining scientific rigor and appropriate safety standards. Our findings demonstrate the potential for large language models to serve as bridges between traditional knowledge and modern healthcare, offering personalized, culturally appropriate depression support that honors both traditional wisdom and contemporary medical understanding.