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 Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults
Context : Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension , which can lead to underperformance and adverse clinical conditions . Adaptogens are herbs that help in combating stress . Ayurvedic classical texts , animal studies and clinical studies describe Ashwag and ha as a safe and effective adaptogen . Aims : The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwag and ha roots in reducing stress and anxiety and in improving the general well-being of adults who were under stress . Setting s and Design : Single center , prospect i ve , double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial . Material s and Methods : A total of 64 subjects with a history of chronic stress were enrolled into the study after performing relevant clinical examinations and laboratory tests . These included a measurement of serum cortisol , and assessing their scores on st and ard stress- assessment question naires . They were r and omized to either the placebo control group or the study drug treatment group , and were asked to take one capsule twice a day for a period of 60 days . In the study drug treatment group , each capsule contained 300 mg of high-concentration full-spectrum extract from the root of the Ashwag and ha plant . During the treatment period ( on Day 15 , Day 30 and Day 45 ) , a follow-up telephone call was made to all subjects to check for treatment compliance and to note any adverse reactions . Final safety and efficacy assessment s were done on Day 60 . Statistical Analysis : t-test , Mann-Whitney test . Results : The treatment group that was given the high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwag and ha root extract exhibited a significant reduction ( P<0.0001 ) in scores on all the stress- assessment scales on Day 60 , relative to the placebo group . The serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced ( P=0.0006 ) in the Ashwag and ha group , relative to the placebo group . The adverse effects were mild in nature and were comparable in both the groups . No serious adverse events were reported . Conclusion : The findings of this study suggest that a high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwag and ha root extract safely and effectively improves an individual 's resistance towards stress and thereby improves self-assessed quality of life
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 .