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 .
A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Centella asiatica.
Centella asiatica is reputed for its beneficial effects in various neurological disorders . The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the role of 70 % hydro-ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica ( CA ) on  generalized anxiety disorder ( GAD ) in man .  Hamilton 's Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale ( BPRS ) was used to screen the subjects . Thirty-three participants ( 18 male and 15 female ; average age 33 yrs ) were medicated with the CA in a fixed dose regime ( 500 mg/capsule , twice daily , after meal ) . They were thoroughly investigated using st and ard question naires based on psychological rating scale at baseline ( day 0 ) , mid-term ( day 30 ) and final ( day 60 ) . The scale also includes a number of direct queries about current levels of experienced stress . The observations revealed that , CA not only significantly ( p<0.01 ) attenuated anxiety related disorders but it also significantly ( p<0.01 ) reduced stress phenomenon and its correlated depression .  CA further significantly ( p<0.01 ) improved the willingness for adjustment and cognition . Results indicated that Centella asiatica may be useful in the treatment of GAD and may be used as a promising anxiolytic agent in near future
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 .