An Analysis upon the Role of Various Herbal Remedies and Dietary Supplements for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Disorders | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

This review paper looks at all the herbal medicines and formulas in treating anxiety disorders. A thorough Pubmed and the Cochrane internet search was made for pharmacological and clinical evidence of herbal medicines with antianxiety action. Good evidence exists for the use of kava in the treatment of anxiety, while there is insufficient clinical evidence for the use of many other herbal medicines in psychiatric disorders. Newer herbal preparations that potentially have significant use in anxiety and urgently require more research are Rhodiola rosea (roseroot), Crocus sativus (saffron), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) and Piper methysticum (kava). They need further evidence base via clinical studies. Anxiety disorders are commonly researched but the efficacy of herbal medicines in these disorders needs to be studied further. Stress and stress related disorders like mood disorders and personality disorders including anxiety and depression become the major problem of metropolitan cities. Every third individual living in big cities is suffering from stress and related disorder, amazing but it is true that in 21st century when we are talking about genomics and chemical weapons world is destroying by fake thoughts. With the astonishing development in contemporary medicine pathogens are conquered but mind is still beyond the reach of science. Human mind lias terrific power that can even endure the whole universe become ill merely by poor thoughts. Ayurveda, the ancient medical science is the world oldest treatise that gives emphasis on management of thoughts for successful management of psychiatric diseases. Ayurveda gives three fold treatment approaches for every disease including both pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological measures. Herbal remedies are used by many people suffering from anxiety or depression. It is therefore important to know whether they generate more good than harm. A systematic review of the published literature revealed trial data for Ginkgo biloba, Lavandula angustifolia, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Crataegus oxyacantha, Eschscholzia californica, Matricaria recutita, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnate and Piper methysticum. Only two of these herbal remedies are supported by sound evidence: Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) for mild to moderate depression and Piper methysticum (kava) for anxiety.