Collectively , the literature reveals pre clinical and clinical evidence for various phytomedicines modulating GABA-pathways , with comparative anxiolytic effect to the current array of pharmaceuticals , along with good safety and tolerability profiles
Anxiety disorders are chronic and functionally disabling conditions with high psychological stress , characterised by cognitive symptoms of excessive worry and focus difficulties and physiological symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia .
Gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system and is a key target of pharmacotherapies in the treatment of anxiety .
Although current pharmaceutical treatments are often efficacious , they may cause undesirable side effects including cognitive decrements and withdrawal symptoms .
Plant-based " phytomedicines " may provide novel treatment options , to act as an adjunctive or alternative to existing anxiolytic medications .
As such , we conducted a systematic review to assess the current body of literature on anxiolytic phytomedicines and /or phytoconstituents .
Effects of valerian on subjective sedation, field sobriety testing and driving simulator performance.
INTRODUCTION The availability of herbal medicines over-the-counter ( OTC ) has increased the use of natural products for self-treatment . Valerian has been used to effectively treat generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia .  Studies suggest that valerenic acid may increase gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) modulation in the brain . Benzodiazepines have a similar mechanism of action and have been linked to an increased risk of hospitalizations due to traffic accidents . Despite the risk of somnolence , the safety of driving while under the influence of valerian remains unknown . PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a one-time valerian 1600 mg dose on subjective sedation effects , st and ardized field sobriety testing ( SFST ) and driving simulator performance parameters . METHODS The study design was a r and omized , placebo-controlled , double-blind , cross-over trial . For each session , participants received either a dose of valerian or placebo . The outcome measures included a simple visual reaction test ( SVRT ) , subjective sleepiness scales , SFST performance scores , and driving simulator performance parameters . RESULTS There were no significant differences in the SVRT or sleepiness scales between placebo and valerian exposures , but the study may have been underpowered . SFST total and individual test failure rates were not significantly different between the two exposures . The driving simulator performance parameters were equivalent between the two exposure conditions . CONCLUSIONS A one-time valerian 1600 mg dose , often used to treat insomnia , does not appear to impair driving simulator performance after acute ingestion
Collectively , the literature reveals pre clinical and clinical evidence for various phytomedicines modulating GABA-pathways , with comparative anxiolytic effect to the current array of pharmaceuticals , along with good safety and tolerability profiles
Anxiety disorders are chronic and functionally disabling conditions with high psychological stress , characterised by cognitive symptoms of excessive worry and focus difficulties and physiological symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia .
Gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system and is a key target of pharmacotherapies in the treatment of anxiety .
Although current pharmaceutical treatments are often efficacious , they may cause undesirable side effects including cognitive decrements and withdrawal symptoms .
Plant-based " phytomedicines " may provide novel treatment options , to act as an adjunctive or alternative to existing anxiolytic medications .
As such , we conducted a systematic review to assess the current body of literature on anxiolytic phytomedicines and /or phytoconstituents .