MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS: MECHANISMS, THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses worldwide and represent a significant public health concern due to their high prevalence, chronic nature, and substantial impact on quality of life. These disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, and selective mutism. The pathophysiology of anxiety involves complex interactions among neurotransmitter systems, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, along with dysfunction of brain regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Although conventional pharmacological therapies, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are effective in managing anxiety symptoms, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal complications. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in medicinal plants and herbal formulations as safer and more accessible alternatives. Numerous medicinal plants, including Nigella sativa, Passiflora incarnata, Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera, Eschscholzia californica, Tinospora cordifolia, Ziziphus jujuba, Crocus sativus, Rubus brasiliensis, and Euphorbia hirta, have demonstrated significant anxiolytic activity through modulation of GABAergic, serotonergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory pathways. This review highlights the epidemiology, classification, pathophysiology, conventional treatment approaches, and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in anxiety management. The available evidence suggests that herbal medicines may serve as promising complementary or alternative therapeutic options for anxiety disorders, warranting further pharmacological and clinical investigations.

Keywords: Anxiety Disorders; Medicinal Plants; Herbal Medicine; Anxiolytic Activity; Nigella sativa; Passiflora incarnata; Bacopa monnieri; Withania somnifera; GABAergic System; Neurotransmitters; Phytotherapy; Mental Health; Natural Products; Complementary Medicine.