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 .
Effect of Valerian in Preventing Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Efavirenz in HIV-Positive Patients: A Pilot Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Background : Several neuropsychiatric adverse effects of efavirenz are known . Preventing these adverse effects may improve patients ’ adherence to antiretroviral therapy ( ART ) . Objectives : To evaluate the efficacy and safety of valerian in preventing neuropsychiatric adverse effects of efavirenz in HIV-positive patients . Method : In this pilot r and omized , double-blinded , placebo-controlled , clinical trial , 51 HIV-positive patients who were receiving efavirenz were recruited into the valerian ( n = 25 ) or placebo ( n = 26 ) group . Patients received valerian ( 530 mg ) or placebo nightly 1 hour before sleep for 4 weeks . The neuropsychiatric status ( sleep , anxiety , depression , suicidal thought , and psychosis ) of patients was assessed at baseline and week 4 using vali date d question naires . Results : Sleep ( P ≤ 0.001 ) and anxiety ( P = 0.001 ) significantly improved in the valerian group compared with the placebo group . Dizziness was the most common complaint of patients in first days of the intervention . In the valerian and placebo groups , 92 % and 84.6 % of patients experienced dizziness , respectively ( P = 0.35 ) . Nausea was the second common adverse effect that 84 % and 76.9 % of patients in the valerian and placebo groups experienced ( P = 0.39 ) . Conclusion : In the first 4 weeks of ART including efavirenz , valerian  significantly improved sleep and anxiety in HIV-positive patients .  Valerian may be considered as a potential option in preventing neuropsychiatric adverse effects of efavirenz in HIV-positive patients
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 .