Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update.

2022-09-15
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 27(18)
- Maša Kenda
- Nina Kočevar Glavač
- Milan Nagy
- Marija Sollner Dolenc

PubMed: 36144755
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186021

Study Design

Type: Review

Depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental disorders, which are on the rise worldwide, are indications that pharmacological therapy can have serious adverse effects, which is why many patients prefer to use herbal products to treat these symptoms. Here, we reviewed plants and products derived from them that are commonly used for the above indications, focusing on clinical data and safety profiles. While lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress, currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression. Recent studies support the use of saffron for depression; however, its toxicological profile raises safety concerns. St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression; however, careful use is necessary particularly due to possible interactions with other drugs. In conclusion, more studies are needed to validate the mechanism of action so that these plants can be used successfully and safely to alleviate or eliminate various mental disorders.

Research Insights

Hops→Reduced Anxiety
currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Hops→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Hops→Reduced Stress
lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lavender→Reduced Anxiety
currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Lavender→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lavender→Reduced Stress
lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lemon Balm→Reduced Anxiety
currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Lemon Balm→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Lemon Balm→Reduced Stress
lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Passion Flower→Reduced Anxiety
currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Passion Flower→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Passion Flower→Reduced Stress
lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Peppermint→Reduced Anxiety
currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Peppermint→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Saffron→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
St. John's Wort→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Valerian→Reduced Anxiety
currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Valerian→Reduced Depression Symptoms
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Valerian→Reduced Stress
lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Saffron→Overall tolerability
Recent studies support the use of saffron for depression; however, its toxicological profile raises safety concerns.
Finding
Reported
Severity
Serious adverse event
St. John's Wort→Overall tolerability
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression; however, careful use is necessary particularly due to possible interactions with other drugs.
Finding
Reported
Severity
Serious adverse event