19 October 2009
Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian
Benjamin S. WeeksMed Sci Monit 2009; 15(11): RA256-262 :: ID: 878231
Abstract
Dietary supplements are widely used for desired effects on memory, insomnia, mood and anxiety. This review focuses on supplements which have anxiolytic or mild relaxation properties and enhance mood. For example, Kava (Piper methysticum) is reported to have anaxiolytic actions and to reduce tension through skeletal muscle relaxation. Dried passion flower (genus Passiflora) is reported to reduce insomnia and hysteria. Skullcap (genus Scutellaria), hops (Humulus lupulus), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root are all herbs reported as anaxiolytic calming agents. Further, extracts of Magnolia and Phellondendron bark are mild sedatives. Supplements such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), theanine, tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are reported to promote relaxation. In general, these supplements appear to act as GABA receptor agonists or to boost GABA levels, although Kava inhibits both norephinephrine uptake and sodium and potassium channels and 5-HTP may act through elevation of serotonin. While questions remain in the literature regarding the medicinal value of these supplements in treating mood and anxiety disorders, based on cellular and animal studies as well as human clinical trials the literature supports a role for these preparations as useful alternatives in the management of the stress and anxiety of everyday life.
Keywords: Relaxation - physiology, Plant Extracts - therapeutic use, Drug Compounding, Glutamates - therapeutic use, Dietary Supplements, Anxiety - physiopathology, Anti-Anxiety Agents - therapeutic use, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - therapeutic use, 5-Hydroxytryptophan - therapeutic use
Editorial
01 December 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: The 2024 Revision of the Declaration of Helsinki and its Continued Role as a Code of Ethics to Guide Medical ResearchDOI: 10.12659/MSM.947428
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e947428
In Press
Clinical Research
Impact of Comprehensive Preoperative Assessments on Gynecological Ambulatory Surgery Outcomes in a Chinese ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.945771
Animal Research
Histological Evaluation of the Effects of Intra-Articular Injection of Caffeic Acid on Cartilage Repair in ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946845
Clinical Research
Impact of Clear Aligners vs Conventional Brackets on Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels: A Case-Control StudyMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946419
Animal Research
Accuracy of 3 Intraoral Scanners in Recording Impressions for Full Arch Dental Implant-Supported Prosthesis...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946624
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article 6,956,471
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research 1,957,684
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research 696,804
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
07 Jan 2022 : Meta-Analysis 262,850
Efficacy and Safety of Light Therapy as a Home Treatment for Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson Dise...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935074
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935074