GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are chronic and functionally disabling conditions with high psychological stress, characterised by cognitive symptoms of excessive worry and focus difficulties and physiological symptoms such as muscle tension and insomnia. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system and is a key target of pharmacotherapies in the treatment of anxiety. Although current pharmaceutical treatments are often efficacious, they may cause undesirable side effects including cognitive decrements and withdrawal symptoms. Plant-based “phytomedicines” may provide novel treatment options, to act as an adjunctive or alternative to existing anxiolytic..