Scientists Back Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Herbal remedies like passion flower extract and kava can combat anxiety disorders, scientists have found. An analysis of 24 studies that had more than 2,000 participants revealed that amino acids L-lysine and L-arginine may be useful anxiety remedies. However St John's Wort, which is thought to be useful in combating depression, was found o be of no use.

"Our review and summary of the literature on herbal remedies and dietary supplements for anxiety should aid mental health practitioners in advising their patients and provide insight for future research in this field," said lead researcher Shaheen Lakhan, from the Global Neuroscience Initiative foundation. "We found mixed results - while passion flower or kava and L-lysine and L-arginine appeared to be effective, St John's Wort and magnesium supplements were not."

Passion flower is a trusted remedy worldwide for restlessness and nervousness, while kava has been used for anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.

Details of the analysis are available in the Nutrition Journal.


Source-Medindia