Agapanthus campanulatus is a flowering plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family of plant. The plant is native to South Africa. The plant forms flowering clumps with blue funnel shaped flowers. Evidence suggests that Agapanthus campanulatus may have pharmacological properties on account of the phytochemicals it contains. For example, it has been shown that extracts of Agapanthus campanulatus are able to inhibit the monoamine oxidase enzyme system in animals. The monoamine oxidase enzyme system is a system of enzymes that are tasked with breaking down the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain of animals. By inhibiting these enzymes, Agapanthus campanulatus may increase brain levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. As depression and anxiety may involve reductions in these monoamine neurotransmitters, plants such as Agapanthus campanulatus that can raise levels may be useful in the treatment of mood disorders.
The ability of Agapanthus campanulatus (Bell African Lily) to raise levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine explains the use of extracts of the herb to treat mood disorders in traditional medicine.
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