A REVIEW ON HERBAL PLANT USE IN ANXIETY DISORDER

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide. Conventional pharmacological treatments, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective but often associated with side effects like drowsiness, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. As a result, there is growing interest in herbal remedies as safer alternatives for managing anxiety. This review explores various medicinal plants known for their anxiolytic properties, their mechanisms of action, and their clinical relevance. Several herbal plants, including Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower), Valeriana officinalis (Valerian), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), and Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender), have shown promising results in anxiety management. These plants exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, such as modulating the GABAergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic systems, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing neuroprotection. Clinical studies support their efficacy, with many demonstrating comparable effects to conventional anxiolytics but with fewer adverse reactions. However, concerns regarding standardization, bioavailability, and herb-drug interactions remain significant challenges. Despite encouraging evidence, more large-scale and long-term clinical trials are needed to establish the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosages of these herbal medicines. Additionally, advancements in formulations, such as nanotechnology-based delivery systems, may enhance their therapeutic potential. This review highlights the role of herbal plants as promising alternatives in anxiety treatment and emphasizes the need for further research to integrate them into mainstream medicine effectively.