Modulation of stress and neuroplasticity biomarkers via rhythmic vocalization: a controlled study on NDNF, cortisol, and monoamines

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reciting the Quran (from Mushaf) on serotonin, dopamine, NDNF, and cortisol levels in relation to mental well-being. Methods: This study was conducted on a sample of university students who know how to read the Quran in Türkiye, selected by a non-probability method, with a pre-test-post-test control group and a longitudinal design; the assignment to the groups was also done randomly. The research was carried out with 72 university students (36 female, 36 male), aged 19–30, who know how to read the Quran and do not have any health problems. Two groups were formed: a 36-person experimental group and a 36-person passive resting control group. The Mental Well-Being Scale and a personal information form were used to evaluate the participants’ well-being status. Salivary serotonin, dopamine, NDNF, and cortisol levels were examined using the ELISA technique in samples taken before and after the experimental group recited verses 195–200 of Surah Al-i Imran aloud. Number, percentage, mean, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance was accepted as p <.05 for all analyses. Results: A significant group-time interaction was found (p <.05). Compared to the passive resting control group, the experimental group showed statistically significant increases in salivary serotonin, dopamine, and NDNF levels, and a significant decrease in cortisol levels. However, a critical dissociation was observed: despite this neuroprotective biomarker profile, the control group reported statistically significantly higher post-intervention mental well-being scores than the experimental group (p <.05). This suggests that the acute cognitive load and performance anxiety associated with the recitation task may temporarily mask physiological benefits in self-reports. Conclusions: A brief (5-minute) ‘Tartil’ recitation of the Quran demonstrates immediate, positive neurobiological effects by reducing stress hormones (cortisol) and increasing reward- and neuroplasticity-related biomarkers (dopamine, serotonin, NDNF). However, this did not immediately translate to higher self-reported well-being, suggesting the relationship between the neurobiology of recitation and its perceived psychological effects is complex and potentially confounded by factors such as performance anxiety or cognitive load in an experimental setting. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.