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Ahmadi H, Keshavarz A, Khaksarian M. Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for the Management of Anxiety in Iranian Medicine. pbp 2026; 8 (In press)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-353-en.html
1- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Torbat-e Jam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e Jam, Iran
3- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran , mojkhaksar@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (19 Views)
Objective: Anxiety is a common psychological disorder that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) has long utilized medicinal plants to offer natural and low-side-effect treatments for anxiety management. This study aims to identify and review the medicinal plants effective in reducing anxiety based on traditional Iranian medical texts and to explore their mechanisms of action.
Methods: In this review, reputable books of traditional Iranian medicine and herbal pharmacopoeias, as well as online scientific databases, were systematically examined. Data were collected and analyzed focusing on medicinal plants with documented anxiolytic properties.
Results: Medicinal plants identified include Melissa officinalis L., Valeriana officinalis L., Borago officinalis L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Crocus sativus L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Passiflora incarnata L., Origanum majorana L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Hypericum perforatum L., Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Rosa damascena Mill., Berberis vulgaris L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Melissa officinalis L., Anethum graveolens L., Alcea rosea L., Valeriana montana Scop., Salix alba L., Rosa spp., Boswellia serrata Roxb., and Cichorium intybus L.. These plants exhibit significant anxiolytic and sedative effects through modulation of the central nervous system, hormonal regulation, and sleep improvement.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that medicinal plants from traditional Iranian medicine may serve as safe and effective approaches for anxiety treatment. However, further clinical studies are recommended to scientifically validate their efficacy.

 
     
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review | Subject: Ethno-pharmacology
Received: 2025/09/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/14 | Published: 2026/01/20

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