Herbs and Mental Health

Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of Ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study

An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Adjunctive use of a standardized extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to treat symptom exacerbation in Schizophrenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in Insomnia and anxiety: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Withania somnifera root powder protects againist post-traumatic stress disorder-induced memory impairment

Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study

Since docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for brain development and protection, and its deficiency is linked to the neuropathology of cognitive disorders such as anxiety, Wu et. al (2015) set out to analyse the interaction between DHA and curcumin (believed to complement the actions of DHA in the brain). Curcumin was observed to enhance the synthesis of DHA from its precursor (ALA) and elevated the concentration of enzymes involved in the synthesis of DHA in both liver and brain tissue. An in vivo experiment conducted on rodents reduced anxiety-like behavior, implying that curcumin increases DHA synthesis and thereby causes a rise in DHA levels in the brain. The research team believe these findings have important implications for human health and the prevention of cognitive disease, particularly for populations eating a plant-based diet or who do not consume fish, a primary source of DHA, since DHA is essential for brain function and its deficiency is implicated in many types of neurological disorders.

Clinical use of Curcumin in depression: A meta-analysis

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Effect of lavender scent inhalation on prevention of stress, anxiety and depression in the postpartum period

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

This 2014 review presented the case for curcumin’s potential use as a neuroprotectant and an antidepressant, describing some of its varied mechanisms of action like its possible anti-inflammatory effects and interactions with signal transduction proteins. Tizabi et. al (2014) writes that curcumin is believed to be devoid of any side effects and could combat commonly observed co-morbid conditions of a neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorder. This review also demonstrates evidence suggesting how this herb’s anti-inflammatory properties have therapeutic potential in treating a devastating neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a frightening neuropsychiatric disorder for example major depressive disorder (MDD). The authors conclude that curcumin or one of its analogs could be of important therapeutic potential in PD and major depression.