Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental disorders, which are on the rise worldwide, are indications that pharmacological therapy can have serious adverse effects, which is why many patients prefer to use herbal products to treat these symptoms. Here, we reviewed plants and products derived from them that are commonly used for the above indications, focusing on clinical data and safety profiles. While lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress, currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression. Recent studies support the use of saffron for depression; however, its toxicological profile raises safety concerns. St. John’s wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression; however, careful use is necessary particularly due to possible interactions with other drugs. In conclusion, more studies are needed to validate the mechanism of action so that these plants can be used successfully and safely to alleviate or eliminate various mental disorders.

Resveratrol ameliorates maternal separation-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and reduces Sirt1-NF-kB signaling-mediated neuroinflammation

“…Numerous studies have focused the pathophysiological processes of anxiety and depression disorders on impairments in the monoamine transmission system ( Liu et al, 2015 ; Grinchii and Dremencov, 2020 ; Roman and Irwin, 2020 ; Falk et al, 2023 ). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been widely used to treat patients with anxiety or depression disorders, via enhancing monoamine function by specifically inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters in the brain ( Kenda et al, 2022 ). However, these anxiolytics and antidepressants may frequently produce side effects, including nausea, vomiting, insomnia, headaches, and sexual dysfunction ( Stahl, 1998 ; Yeung et al, 2018 ).…”

Adaptogens on Depression-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Integrative Review and Rationale of Synergism with Physical Activity

“…No articles that evaluated the effects of Pfaffia paniculata , Rauwolfia serpentina , Eleutherococcus senticosus , Centella asiatica , Camellia sinensis , Astragalus , or Schisandra chinensis met the inclusion criteria. Interestingly, the findings of the cumulative evidence suggest other additional effects such as the restoration and improvement of mental energy, compensation for the effects of sleep deprivation, protection of the nervous system, and the improvement of memory and perception [ 52 , 84 , 87 ].…”

Herbs Used to Treat Depression: An Updated Review

“…19,5,3 The whole plant or chopped blooming tops are the parts used medicinally. 6 Hypericum perforatum has been shown in several clinical trials to be clinically effective in treating depression. In order to determine the remission rates, 426 responders to Hypericum perforatum extract (3 × 300 mg/day) were ISSN: 2250-1177…”

“…It reaches a height of two to three meters as a shrub. 6 According to a research, taking 16 grams of Piper methysticum aqueous extract (which contains 250 mg of kavalactones daily) significantly reduces the symptoms of comorbid depression as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Crucially, the extract did not exhibit any serious adverse effects or clinical hepatotoxicity, indicating that it is safe for use as a medication.…”

“…Similar symptoms that are less severe but persist longer are seen in dysthymia. 6 Studies have demonstrated that the likelihood of acquiring this condition is markedly increased by psychological, genetic, and environmental variables. Viral infections, stress, and trauma all increase the risk of this illness.…”