Harnessing Herbal Bioactives for Anxiety Management: A Natural Remedy Perspective

Anxiety disorders are a major global mental health issue that are frequently treated with pharmacological treatments that have a limited long-term efficacy and a risk of side effects. The possibility of bioactive chemicals obtained from plants as natural alternatives for anxiety management is explored in this review. After providing a brief synopsis of the neurological underpinnings of anxiety, emphasizing important neurotransmitter systems and brain regions, we concentrate on phytochemicals with anxiolytic properties, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics. A variety of therapeutic plants are examined, with a focus on their active ingredients, experimental confirmation using in vivo behavioral models, and corroborating data from preclinical and clinical research. These results underline the potential therapeutic benefits of herbal ingredients and the role that phytochemicals play in modifying circuits linked to anxiety. However, standardized clinical procedures and more thorough mechanistic research are necessary for transforming these natural substances into effective therapeutic treatments. Major Findings: Plant-derived bioactives, particularly flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics, show notable anxiolytic effects by modulating neurotransmitter systems. Evidence from studies supports their role in complementary anxiety therapies.