Phytotherapeutic Approaches to Anxiety Disorders
Summary
Phytotherapeutic approaches to anxiety disorders harness plant-derived bioactives—such as flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenes—to alleviate symptoms by modulating neural pathways and stress responses. Traditional remedies including lavender, valerian, passionflower and California poppy have been progressively validated through preclinical and clinical investigations. Mechanisms of action converge on enhancement of GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, attenuation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivity and reduction of neuroinflammation. Standardisation of active constituents and elucidation of pharmacokinetics remain critical for translating efficacy into safe, clinically viable treatments. Recent advances emphasise the importance of gut–brain interactions, the role of neurotrophic factors and the potential for synergistic combinations of phytoactives. As anxiety disorders rise globally, phytotherapy offers an accessible, culturally adaptable complement or alternative to conventional anxiolytics, with an evolving evidence base that underscores both therapeutic promise and the necessity of rigorous safety evaluation.
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Phytotherapeutic Approaches to Anxiety Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytotherapeutic approaches to anxiety disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phytotherapy: Use of plant-derived compounds for therapeutic purposes.
Anxiolytic: Substance that reduces anxiety symptoms.
Alkaloid: Nitrogen-containing natural compound often bioactive in plants.
Gut microbiota: Microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract.
Neurotransmitter: Chemical messenger that transmits signals in the nervous system.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): Protein supporting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.
References
- Alkaloids in commercial preparations of California poppy – Quantification, intestinal permeability and microbiota interactions. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2023).
- Combination of Walnut Peptide and Casein Peptide alleviates anxiety and improves memory in anxiety mices. Frontiers in Nutrition (2023).
- Indulging Curiosity: Preliminary Evidence of an Anxiolytic-like Effect of Castor Oil and Ricinoleic Acid. Nutrients (2024).
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