An ethnopharmacological study and the therapeutic reference values of phytomedicines used for relieving minor CNS disorders

The current study aims to evaluate the practice of prescribing and dispensing herbal medicines by patients and herbalists for treating minor CNS disorders. Two groups of participants were recruited: adults who admitted using herbal medications and herbalists. A questionnaire with multiple compartments was distributed using social media. The sample size was 384, which was compatible with the non-probability convenience sampling strategy. The reference therapeutic, used and combined values were computed. The majority of the respondents were females (69 %) in their second and third decades (36.2 and 34.9 respectively), acquired at least a college degree (~72.9 %). They admitted having a good knowledge of alternative therapy and considered them safe (76.8 % and 58.6 % respectively). Around 55 % of the respondents have trust issues with health service providers and prefer to seek the help of expert herbalists. The computed therapeutic values disclosed significant differences between the analyzed herbs. The highest parameter was for the anise (0.4133 ± 0.11719), reflecting that it has the highest concentration. Peppermint occupied the second order (0.19 ± 0.036060). Tea placed third (0.1333 ± 0.07572), followed by chamomile (0.1033 ± 0.10017), Ginger (0.0333 ± 0.03055) and lemon balm (0.05 ± 0.05568). Rosemary and Marjoram showed comparatively lower means. The herbalists were in complete agreement on the use of anise and chamomile for anxiety, lemon balm and anise for insomnia, hibiscus for tachycardia, caraway for COVID-related stress and cinnamon for premenstrual syndrome. Despite the approved efficiency and safety of some herbal remedies, it is mandatory to strengthen trust in healthcare.