select herbal references
I spend a lot of time poring through the medical literature on the efficacy (or sometimes lack thereof) of herbal medicine. As such, my poor computer often has a million zillion tabs open — and only students who actually read the citations at the end of my powerpoints benefit from this work.
So, to support your education and my computer hygiene, I’m posting many of them here. (For studies related to health, mental health and climate change, check out NDClimate.org.)
Consider it a starting point for your own research — and please do share any cool new studies you find! If we’re not already connected by email, just shoot me a note from my contact page and sign up below to get my emails in your inbox.
Salúd!
—Dr. Orna
P.S. Wondering where to get these herbs? I’ve written up a sourcing list here.
Allium sativum (garlic)
Ansary J, Forbes-Hernández TY, Gil E, et al. Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(7):619. Published 2020 Jul 15. doi:10.3390/antiox9070619
El-Saadony, Mohamed T., et al. “Garlic bioactive substances and their therapeutic applications for improving human health: a comprehensive review.” Frontiers in immunology 15 (2024): 1277074.
Maji, Sutanu, Pragya Anand, and Yusuf Akhter. “An updated account of multifaceted medicinal values of garlic: A systematic review.” Current Traditional Medicine 11.1 (2025): e051023221812.
Okoro, Benedict Chukwuebuka, et al. “The ethnobotanical, bioactive compounds, pharmacological activities and toxicological evaluation of garlic (Allium sativum): A review.” Pharmacological Research-Modern Chinese Medicine 8 (2023): 100273.
Rouf R, Uddin SJ, Sarker DK, Islam MT, Ali ES, Shilpi JA, Nahar L, Tiralongo E, Sarker SD. Antiviral potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update of pre-clinical and clinical data. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020 Oct;104:219-234. doi: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.08.006. Epub 2020 Aug 19. PMID: 32836826; PMCID: PMC7434784.
Sleiman, Christopher, et al. “Garlic and hypertension: efficacy, mechanism of action, and clinical implications.” Nutrients 16.17 (2024): 2895.
Verma T, Aggarwal A, Dey P, Chauhan AK, Rashid S, Chen KT, Sharma R. Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review. Front Nutr. 2023 Feb 16;10:1120377. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1120377. PMID: 36875845; PMCID: PMC9978857.
Yaniv Bachrach, Zohara. “Garlic as a medicine throughout the ages.” World Academy of Sciences Journal 7.3 (2025): 49.
Albizia julibrissin (mimosa)
Beppe, Galba Jean et al. “The aqueous extract of Albizia adianthifolia leaves attenuates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced anxiety, depression and oxidative stress in rat amygdala.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 15 374. 19 Oct. 2015, doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0912-0
Chang, Jui-Shu et al. “Albizia julibrissin Ameliorates Memory Loss Induced by Insomnia in Drosophila.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2019 7395962. 1 Apr. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/7395962
Huang, Bishan et al. “Molecular basis and mechanism of action of Albizia julibrissin in depression treatment and clinical application of its formulae.” Chinese herbal medicines vol. 15,2 201-213. 15 Mar. 2023, doi:10.1016/j.chmed.2022.10.004
Huang, Bishan et al. “Two Lignan Glycosides from Albizia julibrissin Durazz. Noncompetitively Inhibit Serotonin Transporter.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 15,3 344. 11 Mar. 2022, doi:10.3390/ph15030344
Kim, Ji-Hyun et al. “Antidepressant-like effects of Albizzia julibrissin in mice: involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor system.” Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior vol. 87,1 (2007): 41-7. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2007.03.018
Kim, Won-Ki et al. “Anxiolytic-like effects of extracts from Albizzia julibrissin bark in the elevated plus-maze in rats.” Life sciences vol. 75,23 (2004): 2787-95. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.05.024
Asparagus racemosus (sitawari)
Gudise, V. S., Dasari, M. P., & Kuricheti, S. S. K. (2024). Efficacy and Safety of Shatavari Root Extract for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus, 16(4), e57879. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.57879
Ito, T., Goto, K., Takanari, J., Miura, T., Wakame, K., Nishioka, H., … & Nishihira, J. (2014). Effects of enzyme-treated asparagus extract on heat shock protein 70, stress indices, and sleep in healthy adult men. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 60(4), 283-290.
Sharma, Ajitha, and Devasya Narayana Sharma. “A comprehensive review of the pharmacological actions of Asparagus racemosus.” Am. J. Pharm. Tech. Res 7.1 (2017).
Singh, Gireesh K., et al. “Antidepressant activity of Asparagus racemosus in rodent models.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 91.3 (2009): 283-290.
Singh, Neha, et al. “Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects.” Heliyon (2023).
Camellia sinensis (tea)
Ansari P, Flatt PR, Harriott P, Abdel-Wahab YHA. Anti-hyperglycaemic and insulin-releasing effects of Camellia sinensis leaves and isolation and characterisation of active compounds. Br J Nutr. 2021 Oct 28;126(8):1149-1163. doi: 10.1017/S0007114520005085. Epub 2020 Dec 17. PMID: 33331251.
Bakhriansyah, Mohammad, Sidnan Naufa Sulaiman, and Rahmi Fauzia. “The effect of Camellia sinensis tea on a decreased risk of anxiety for medical students at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat Indonesia.” Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health 17 (2022): 101114.
Bakhriansyah, Mohammad, et al. “The Association Between Camellia sinensis Tea Consumption and Reduced Risk of Anxiety Disorder for Covid-19 Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Students.” Berkala Kedokteran 19.1: 51-58.
Brimson, James Michael, et al. “Tea plant (Camellia sinensis): a current update on use in diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.” Nutrients 15.1 (2022): 37.
Camfield DA, Stough C, Farrimond J, Scholey AB. Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2014 Aug;72(8):507-22. doi: 10.1111/nure.12120. Epub 2014 Jun 19. PMID: 24946991.
* Chaudhary, Priya, et al. “Camellia sinensis: insights on its molecular mechanisms of action towards nutraceutical, anticancer potential and other therapeutic applications.” Arabian Journal of Chemistry 16.5 (2023): 104680.
Filippini T, Malavolti M, Borrelli F, et al. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD005004. Published 2020 Mar 2. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3
Hajiaghaalipour F, Kanthimathi MS, Sanusi J, Rajarajeswaran J. White tea (Camellia sinensis) inhibits proliferation of the colon cancer cell line, HT-29, activates caspases and protects DNA of normal cells against oxidative damage. Food Chem. 2015 Feb 15;169:401-10. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.07.005. Epub 2014 Jul 8. [PMID: 25236244.]
Halder A, Raychowdhury R, Ghosh A, De M. Black tea (Camellia sinensis) as a chemopreventive agent in oral precancerous lesions. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2005;24(2):141-4. doi: 10.1615/jenvpathtoxoncol.v24.i2.70. PMID: 15831086.
Hayat K, Iqbal H, Malik U, Bilal U, Mushtaq S. Tea and its consumption: benefits and risks. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015;55(7):939-54. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2012.678949. PMID: 24915350.
Ikram, Huma, Beenish Mirza, and Darakhshan Jabeen Haleem. “Neurochemical and behavioral effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) as observed in animals exposed to restraint stress.” Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 30.2 (2017).
Khan N, Mukhtar H. Tea and health: studies in humans. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6141-6147. doi:10.2174/1381612811319340008
Kumar, Pankaj, et al. “Tea beyond the cup: a comprehensive review of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze.” Clinical Phytoscience 11.1 (2025): 23.
Lambert JD, Yang CS. Mechanisms of cancer prevention by tea constituents. J Nutr. 2003 Oct;133(10):3262S-3267S. doi: 10.1093/jn/133.10.3262S. PMID: 14519824.
Liu GH, Yao ZQ, Chen GQ, Li YL, Liang B. Potential Benefits of Green Tea in Prostate Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Chin J Integr Med. 2024 Nov;30(11):1045-1055. doi: 10.1007/s11655-024-4100-2. Epub 2024 Apr 2. PMID: 38561489.
Lopes Sakamoto F, Metzker Pereira Ribeiro R, Amador Bueno A, Oliveira Santos H. Psychotropic effects of L-theanine and its clinical properties: From the management of anxiety and stress to a potential use in schizophrenia. Pharmacol Res. 2019 Sep;147:104395. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104395. Epub 2019 Aug 11. PMID: 31412272.
Mancini E, Beglinger C, Drewe J, Zanchi D, Lang UE, Borgwardt S. Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review. Phytomedicine. 2017 Oct 15;34:26-37. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28899506.
The reviewed studies presented evidence that green tea influences psychopathological symptoms (e.g. reduction of anxiety), cognition (e.g. benefits in memory and attention) and brain function (e.g. activation of working memory seen in functional MRI). The effects of green tea cannot be attributed to a single constituent of the beverage. This is exemplified in the finding that beneficial green tea effects on cognition are observed under the combined influence of both caffeine and L-theanine, whereas separate administration of either substance was found to have a lesser impact.
Mirza B, Ikram H, Bilgrami S, Haleem DJ, Haleem MA. Neurochemical and behavioral effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis): a model study. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2013 May;26(3):511-6. PMID: 23625424.
Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 4;21(5):1744. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051744. PMID: 32143309; PMCID: PMC7084675.
Payne, Edward R., et al. “Effects of tea (Camellia sinensis) or its bioactive compounds l-theanine or l-theanine plus caffeine on cognition, sleep, and mood in healthy participants: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Nutrition reviews 83.10 (2025): 1873-1891.
PLOS One Editors. “Retraction: Camellia sinensis methanolic leaves extract: Phytochemical analysis and anticancer activity against human liver cancer cells.” (2025): e0326075.
Prasanth MI, Sivamaruthi BS, Chaiyasut C, Tencomnao T. A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):474. Published 2019 Feb 23. doi:10.3390/nu11020474. [PMID: 30813433]
Rafieian-Kopaei M, Movahedi M. Breast cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of Camellia Sinensis (green tea): an updated review. Electron Physician. 2017 Feb 25;9(2):3838-3844. doi: 10.19082/3838. PMID: 28465816; PMCID: PMC5410915.
Rashmi T, et. al. “Camellia Sinensis: A Review of its Botony, Chemistry and Pharmacological Properties.” European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2024, 11(10), 59-64.
Ren, Ning, et al. “Purified tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) flower saponins induce the p53-dependent intrinsic apoptosis of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21.12 (2020): 4324.
Saeed M, Naveed M, Arif M, Kakar MU, Manzoor R, Abd El-Hack ME, Alagawany M, Tiwari R, Khandia R, Munjal A, Karthik K, Dhama K, Iqbal HMN, Dadar M, Sun C. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and l-theanine: Medicinal values and beneficial applications in humans-A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Nov;95:1260-1275. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.024. Epub 2017 Oct 6. PMID: 28938517.
Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Lozano R, Gómez-Serranillos MP. The Pharmacological Activity of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze on Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules. 2020 Apr 13;10(4):603. doi: 10.3390/biom10040603. PMID: 32294991; PMCID: PMC7226397.
Shastry R, Ullal SD, Karkala S, Rai S, Gadgade A. Anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Camellia sinensis in rats. Indian J Pharmacol. 2016 Nov-Dec;48(6):681-686. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.194864. PMID: 28066107; PMCID: PMC5155470.
Shindel, Benjamin, et al. “Brewing Clean Water: The Metal-Remediating Benefits of Tea Preparation.” ACS Food Science & Technology 5.3 (2025): 928-933.
Singh, Neetu, Poonam Sahjlan, and Surender Singh Yadav. “Phytochemistry and anticancer therapeutics of Camellia sinensis (Green tea).” Pharmacological Research-Modern Chinese Medicine 12 (2024): 100484.
Srinivasa DGB, Kadiri SK. Interaction Risk: Green Tea Consumption in Patients Taking Alprazolam. Drug Metab Bioanal Lett. 2024;17(3):104-113. doi: 10.2174/0118723128366248250206081121. PMID: 40296492.
Wang, Liwen, et al. “How does the tea L-theanine buffer stress and anxiety.” Food Science and Human Wellness 11.3 (2022): 467-475.
Xiao, Shuangling, et al. “Tea and Its Active Ingredients in Preventing and Alleviating Depression: A Comprehensive Review.” Foods 14.12 (2025): 2054.
Zhang Y, Xu Q, Hu J, Zhang F, Yu Y, Ma L. Green Tea and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) for Cancer Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Chin Med. 2025;53(6):1755-1784. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X2550065X. Epub 2025 Aug 14. PMID: 40832777.
Zhao T, Li C, Wang S, Song X. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. Molecules. 2022;27(12):3909. Published 2022 Jun 18. doi:10.3390/molecules27123909
Chamomilla recutita (chamomile)
Chang SM, Chen CH. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs. 2016 Feb;72(2):306-15. doi: 10.1111/jan.12836. Epub 2015 Oct 20. PMID: 26483209.
Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2010.377. PMID: 21132119; PMCID: PMC2995283.
Crataegus spp. (hawthorn)
Can, Özgür Devrim, et al. “Effects of hawthorn seed and pulp extracts on the central nervous system.” Pharmaceutical biology 48.8 (2010): 924-931.
De Simone M, De Feo R, Choucha A, Ciaglia E, Fezeu F. Enhancing Sleep Quality: Assessing the Efficacy of a Fixed Combination of Linden, Hawthorn, Vitamin B1, and Melatonin. Med Sci (Basel). 2023 Dec 28;12(1):2. doi: 10.3390/medsci12010002. PMID: 38249078; PMCID: PMC10801487.
Hanus M, Lafon J, Mathieu M. Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Curr Med Res Opin. 2004 Jan;20(1):63-71. doi: 10.1185/030079903125002603. PMID: 14741074.
Lim DW, Han T, Jung J, Song Y, Um MY, Yoon M, Kim YT, Cho S, Kim IH, Han D, Lee C, Lee J. Chlorogenic Acid from Hawthorn Berry (Crataegus pinnatifida Fruit) Prevents Stress Hormone-Induced Depressive Behavior, through Monoamine Oxidase B-Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Hippocampal Astrocytes of Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018 Aug;62(15):e1800029. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201800029. Epub 2018 Jul 11. PMID: 29893510.
Nitzan K, David D, Franko M, Toledano R, Fidelman S, Tenenbaum YS, Blonder M, Armoza-Eilat S, Shamir A, Rehavi M, Ben-Chaim Y, Doron R. Anxiolytic and antidepressants’ effect of Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan Zha): biochemical mechanisms. Transl Psychiatry. 2022 May 19;12(1):208. doi: 10.1038/s41398-022-01970-6. PMID: 35589704; PMCID: PMC9117595.
Popovic-Milenkovic MT, Tomovic MT, Brankovic SR, Ljujic BT, Jankovic SM. Antioxidant and anxiolytic activities of Crataegus nigra Wald. et Kit. berries. Acta Pol Pharm. 2014 Mar-Apr;71(2):279-85. PMID: 25272648.
Crocus sativus (saffron)
Ahmadpanah M, Ramezanshams F, Ghaleiha A, Akhondzadeh S, Sadeghi Bahmani D, Brand S. Crocus Sativus L. (saffron) versus sertraline on symptoms of depression among older people with major depressive disorders-a double-blind, randomized intervention study. Psychiatry Res. 2019 Dec;282:112613. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112613. Epub 2019 Oct 12. PMID: 31669837.
Akhondzadeh Basti, et al. “Petal and stigma of Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of depression: a pilot double-blind randomized trial.” (2008): 29-36. (PDF download)
Akhondzadeh Basti, Afshin et al. “Comparison of petal of Crocus sativus L. and fluoxetine in the treatment of depressed outpatients: a pilot double-blind randomized trial.” Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry vol. 31,2 (2007): 439-42. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.11.010
Akhondzadeh S, Tahmacebi-Pour N, Noorbala AA, Amini H, Fallah-Pour H, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2005 Feb;19(2):148-51. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1647. PMID: 15852492.
Anderson, Pauline. “Saffron May Help SSRI-Related Sexual Dysfunction.” Medscape Medical News. May 23, 2025.
Chauhan, Satendra et al. “Exploring the Potential of Saffron as a Therapeutic Agent in Depression Treatment: A Comparative Review.” The Yale journal of biology and medicine vol. 97,3 365-381. 30 Sep. 2024, doi:10.59249/XURF4540
Dai, Lili PhD∗; Chen, Lingyan PhD†; Wang, Wenjing PhD‡. Safety and Efficacy of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) for Treating Mild to Moderate Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 208(4):p 269-276, April 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001118
Ghajar, A., et. al. (2017). Crocus sativus L. vs Citalopram in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress: A Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial. Pharmacopsychiatry, 50(4), 152–160.
Jackson, P. A., et. al. (2021). Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 606124.
Javadi, B., Sahebkar, A., & Emami, S. A. (2013). A survey on saffron in major islamic traditional medicine books. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 16(1), 1–11.
Lopresti, Adrian L et al. “Effects of saffron on sleep quality in healthy adults with self-reported poor sleep: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine vol. 16,6 (2020): 937-947. doi:10.5664/jcsm.8376
Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Nov;29(6):517-27. doi: 10.1002/hup.2434. Epub 2014 Sep 22. PMID: 25384672.
Marx W, Lane M, Rocks T, Ruusunen A, Loughman A, Lopresti A, Marshall S, Berk M, Jacka F, Dean OM. Effect of saffron supplementation on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2019 Aug 1;77(8):557-571. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuz023. PMID: 31135916.
Mazidi, Mohsen et al. “A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression.” Journal of complementary & integrative medicine vol. 13,2 (2016): 195-9. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0043. (Abstract only.)
Orio L, Alen F, Ballesta A, Martin R, Gomez de Heras R. Antianhedonic and Antidepressant Effects of Affron®, a Standardized Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Extract. Molecules. 2020 Jul 15;25(14):3207. doi: 10.3390/molecules25143207. PMID: 32679643; PMCID: PMC7397008.
Pachikian BD, Copine S, Suchareau M, Deldicque L. Effects of Saffron Extract on Sleep Quality: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 27;13(5):1473. doi: 10.3390/nu13051473. PMID: 33925432; PMCID: PMC8145009.
Pontifex, M. G., et. al. (2022). Saffron extract (Safr’Inside™) improves anxiety related behaviour in a mouse model of low-grade inflammation through the modulation of the microbiota and gut derived metabolites. Food & function, 10.1039/d2fo02739a.
Sadat Rafiei, Seyyed Kiarash et al. “Saffron and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Nutrition and metabolic insightsvol. 16 11786388231160317. 18 Jul. 2023, doi:10.1177/11786388231160317
Sahraian, Ali et al. “Study the effects of saffron on depression and lipid profiles: A double blind comparative study.” Asian journal of psychiatry vol. 22 (2016): 174-6. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2015.10.012
Shafiee A, Jafarabady K, Seighali N, Mohammadi I, Rajai Firouz Abadi S, Abhari FS, Bakhtiyari M. Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Rev. 2025 Mar 1;83(3):e751-e761. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae076. PMID: 38913392.
Shahmansouri, Nazila et al. “A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of Crocus sativus L. with fluoxetine for improving mild to moderate depression in post percutaneous coronary intervention patients.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 155 (2014): 216-22. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2013.11.003
Talaei, Ali et al. “Crocin, the main active saffron constituent, as an adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical trial.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 174 (2015): 51-6. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.11.035
Tóth, Barbara et al. “The Efficacy of Saffron in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression: A Meta-analysis.” Planta medica vol. 85,1 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1055/a-0660-9565
Curcuma longa (turmeric)
Aggarwal BB, Yuan W, Li S, Gupta SC. Curcumin-free turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of turmeric. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2013 Sep;57(9):1529-42. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201200838. Epub 2013 Jul 12. PMID: 23847105.
Fusar-Poli L, Vozza L, Gabbiadini A, Vanella A, Concas I, Tinacci S, Petralia A, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. Curcumin for depression: a meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60(15):2643-2653. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1653260. Epub 2019 Aug 19. PMID: 31423805.
Kawasaki K, Muroyama K, Murosaki S. Effect of a water extract of Curcuma longa on emotional states in healthy participants. Biosci Microbiota Food Health. 2018;37(2):25-29. doi: 10.12938/bmfh.17-020. Epub 2018 Feb 2. PMID: 29662734; PMCID: PMC5897237.
Lopresti AL. Potential Role of Curcumin for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. CNS Drugs. 2022 Feb;36(2):123-141. doi: 10.1007/s40263-022-00901-9. Epub 2022 Feb 7. PMID: 35129813; PMCID: PMC8863697.
Ng, Qin Xiang, et al. “Clinical use of curcumin in depression: a meta-analysis.” Journal of the American Medical Directors Association 18.6 (2017): 503-508.
Ramaholimihaso T, Bouazzaoui F, Kaladjian A. Curcumin in Depression: Potential Mechanisms of Action and Current Evidence-A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 27;11:572533. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.572533. PMID: 33329109; PMCID: PMC7728608.
Yarnell, Eric. Whole Curcuma long (turmeric) vs. Isolated Curcumin. BotMed.rocks, 22 August 2023.
Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort)
Apaydin EA, Maher AR, Shanman R, Booth MS, Miles JN, Sorbero ME, Hempel S. A systematic review of St. John’s wort for major depressive disorder. Syst Rev. 2016 Sep 2;5(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s13643-016-0325-2. PMID: 27589952; PMCID: PMC5010734.
Butterweck V. Mechanism of action of St John’s wort in depression : what is known? CNS Drugs. 2003;17(8):539-62. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200317080-00001. PMID: 12775192.
Canenguez Benitez JS, Hernandez TE, Sundararajan R, Sarwar S, Arriaga AJ, Khan AT, Matayoshi A, Quintanilla HA, Kochhar H, Alam M, Mago A, Hans A, Benitez GA. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using St. John’s Wort as a Treatment for Depression. Cureus. 2022 Sep 22;14(9):e29468. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29468. PMID: 36299970; PMCID: PMC9587902.
Jiang ZM, Wang FF, Zhao YY, Lu LF, Jiang XY, Huang TQ, Lin Y, Guo L, Weng ZB, Liu EH. Hypericum perforatum L. attenuates depression by regulating Akkermansia muciniphila, tryptophan metabolism and NFκB-NLRP2-Caspase1-IL1β pathway. Phytomedicine. 2024 Sep;132:155847. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155847. Epub 2024 Jul 3. PMID: 38996505.
Kholghi G, Arjmandi-Rad S, Zarrindast MR, Vaseghi S. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and depression: what happens to the neurotransmitter systems? Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2022 Jun;395(6):629-642. doi: 10.1007/s00210-022-02229-z. Epub 2022 Mar 16. PMID: 35294606.
Ng QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CY. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2017 Mar 1;210:211-221. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048. Epub 2017 Jan 3. PMID: 28064110.
Philipp M, Kohnen R, Hiller KO. Hypericum extract versus imipramine or placebo in patients with moderate depression: randomised multicentre study of treatment for eight weeks. BMJ. 1999 Dec 11;319(7224):1534-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.319.7224.1534. Erratum in: BMJ 2000 Feb 5;320(7231):361. PMID: 10591711; PMCID: PMC28296.
Rahimi, Roja, Shekoufeh Nikfar, and Mohammad Abdollahi. “Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum perforatum in major depressive disorder in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a meta-analysis.” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 33.1 (2009): 118-127.
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Lavandula spp. (lavender)
Baldinger, Pia et al. “Effects of Silexan on the serotonin-1A receptor and microstructure of the human brain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study with molecular and structural neuroimaging.” The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology vol. 18,4 pyu063. 31 Oct. 2014,
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Dold, Markus, et al. “Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.” European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 273.7 (2023): 1615-1628.
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Farshbaf-Khalili, Azizeh, Mahin Kamalifard, and Mahsa Namadian. “Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice 31 (2018): 132-138.
Kasper, S., Anghelescu, I., & Dienel, A. (2015). Efficacy of orally administered Silexan in patients with anxiety-related restlessness and disturbed sleep–A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 25(11), 1960–1967.
Kasper, S., Müller, W. E., Volz, H. P., Möller, H. J., Koch, E., & Dienel, A. (2018). Silexan in anxiety disorders: Clinical data and pharmacological background. The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, 19(6), 412–420.
Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi: 10.1155/2013/681304. Epub 2013 Mar 14. PMID: 23573142; PMCID: PMC3612440.
Malcolm, B. J., & Tallian, K. (2018). Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?. The mental health clinician, 7(4), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147
Nikfarjam M, Parvin N, Assarzadegan N, Asghari S. The Effects of Lavandula Angustifolia Mill Infusion on Depression in Patients Using Citalopram: A comparison Study. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2013 Aug;15(8):734-9. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.4173. Epub 2013 Aug 5. PMID: 24578844; PMCID: PMC3918201.
O’Connor DW, Eppingstall B, Taffe J, van der Ploeg ES. A randomized, controlled cross-over trial of dermally-applied lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil as a treatment of agitated behaviour in dementia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Nov 13;13:315. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-315. PMID: 24219098; PMCID: PMC3827620.
Roozbeh N, Ghazanfarpour M, Khadivzadeh T, Kargarfard L, Dizavandi FR, Shariati K. Effect of Lavender on Sleep, Sexual Desire, Vasomotor, Psychological and Physical Symptom among Menopausal and Elderly Women: A Systematic Review. J Menopausal Med. 2019;25(2):88-93. doi:10.6118/jmm.18158
Seifritz E, Kasper S, Möller HJ, Volz HP, Müller WE, Eckert A, Hatzinger M. Effect of anxiolytic drug silexan on sleep – a narrative review. World J Biol Psychiatry. 2022 Sep;23(7):493-500. doi: 10.1080/15622975.2021.2013092. Epub 2022 Oct 19. PMID: 36259937.
Seifritz E, Schläfke S, Holsboer-Trachsler E. Beneficial effects of Silexan on sleep are mediated by its anxiolytic effect. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Aug;115:69-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.04.013. Epub 2019 Apr 17. PMID: 31121394.
Woelk H, Schläfke S. A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine. 2010 Feb;17(2):94-9. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.006. Epub 2009 Dec 3. PMID: 19962288.
Yap WS, Dolzhenko AV, Jalal Z, Hadi MA, Khan TM. Efficacy and safety of lavender essential oil (Silexan) capsules among patients suffering from anxiety disorders: A network meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 2;9(1):18042. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-54529-9. PMID: 31792285; PMCID: PMC6889391.
Mahonia spp. (Oregon grape/berberine)
Cheng R, Song A, Jiang J, Qiaolongbatu X, Wu Z, Qian F, Shen S, Zhang L, Wang Z, Zhao W, Lou Y. Berberine Alleviates Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behavior by Modulating Gut Microbiota and SCFA Production in Mice. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2025 Sep 2. doi: 10.1002/bab.70043. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40891178.
Cheng, Z., Kang, C., Che, S., Su, J., Sun, Q., Ge, T., … & Cui, R. (2022). Berberine: a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 845591.
Fan J, Zhang K, Jin Y, Li B, Gao S, Zhu J, Cui R. Pharmacological effects of berberine on mood disorders. J Cell Mol Med. 2019 Jan;23(1):21-28. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.13930. Epub 2018 Nov 18. PMID: 30450823.
Jiang W, Li S, Li X. Therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases. Sci China Life Sci. 2015 Jun;58(6):564-9. doi: 10.1007/s11427-015-4829-0. Epub 2015 Mar 6. PMID: 25749423.
Ye Y, Liu X, Wu N, Han Y, Wang J, Yu Y, Chen Q. Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 26;12:653887. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653887. PMID: 33981233.
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)
Araj-Khodaei M, Noorbala AA, Yarani R, Emadi F, Emaratkar E, Faghihzadeh S, Parsian Z, Alijaniha F, Kamalinejad M, Naseri M. A double-blind, randomized pilot study for comparison of Melissa officinalis L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. with Fluoxetine for the treatment of depression. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Jul 3;20(1):207. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-03003-5. PMID: 32620104; PMCID: PMC7333290.
Cases J, Ibarra A, Feuillère N, Roller M, Sukkar SG. Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Med J Nutrition Metab. 2011 Dec;4(3):211-218. doi: 10.1007/s12349-010-0045-4. Epub 2010 Dec 17. PMID: 22207903; PMCID: PMC3230760.
Darvish-Mofrad-Kashani Z, Emaratkar E, Hashem-Dabaghian F, Emadi F, Raisi F, Aliasl J, Kamalinejad M, Hasheminejad SA, Eftekhar T, Zafarghandi N. Effect of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) on Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Double- blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Iran J Pharm Res. 2018 Winter;17(Suppl):89-100. PMID: 29796033; PMCID: PMC5958328.
Ghazizadeh J, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Marx W, Fakhari A, Hamedeyazdan S, Torbati M, Taheri-Tarighi S, Araj-Khodaei M, Mirghafourvand M. The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2021 Dec;35(12):6690-6705. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7252. Epub 2021 Aug 27. PMID: 34449930. (Abstract only.)
Haybar H, Javid AZ, Haghighizadeh MH, Valizadeh E, Mohaghegh SM, Mohammadzadeh A. The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2018 Aug;26:47-52. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015. Epub 2018 May 19. PMID: 29908682.
Kennedy, David O., et al. “Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa ofcinalis and Valeriana ofcinalis during laboratory induced stress.” Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives 20.2 (2006): 96-102.
Mathews IM, Eastwood J, Lamport DJ, Cozannet RL, Fanca-Berthon P, Williams CM. Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review. Nutrients. 2024 Oct 18;16(20):3545. doi: 10.3390/nu16203545. PMID: 39458539; PMCID: PMC11510126.
Zam W, Quispe C, Sharifi-Rad J, López MD, Schoebitz M, Martorell M, Sharopov F, Fokou PVT, Mishra AP, Chandran D, Kumar M, Chen JT, Pezzani R. An Updated Review on The Properties of Melissa officinalis L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety. Front Biosci (Schol Ed). 2022 Jun 7;14(2):16. doi: 10.31083/j.fbs1402016. PMID: 35730441.
Passiflora spp. (passionflower)
Medina JH, Paladini AC, Wolfman C, Levi de Stein M, Calvo D, Diaz LE, Peña C. Chrysin (5,7-di-OH-flavone), a naturally-occurring ligand for benzodiazepine receptors, with anticonvulsant properties. Biochem Pharmacol. 1990 Nov 15;40(10):2227-31. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(90)90716-x. PMID: 2173925.
Ngan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res. 2011 Aug;25(8):1153-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3400. Epub 2011 Feb 3. PMID: 21294203.
Nojoumi M, Ghaeli P, Salimi S, Sharifi A, Raisi F. Effects of Passion Flower Extract, as an Add-On Treatment to Sertraline, on Reaction Time in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Iran J Psychiatry. 2016 Jul;11(3):191-197. PMID: 27928252; PMCID: PMC5139955.
Wolfman C, Viola H, Paladini A, Dajas F, Medina JH. Possible anxiolytic effects of chrysin, a central benzodiazepine receptor ligand isolated from Passiflora coerulea. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1994 Jan;47(1):1-4. doi: 10.1016/0091-3057(94)90103-1. PMID: 7906886.
Paeonia lactiflora (peony)
Mao QQ, Ip SP, Ko KM, Tsai SH, Xian YF, Che CT. Effects of peony glycosides on mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress: further evidence for antidepressant-like activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jul 15;124(2):316-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.019. Epub 2009 Apr 16. PMID: 19375493.
Pedicularis spp. (louseworts)
Frezza, C., et. al. (2019). Pedicularis L. Genus: Systematics, Botany, Phytochemistry, Chemotaxonomy, Ethnopharmacology, and Other. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(9), 306.
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Schneider, M. J., & Stermitz, F. R. (1990). Uptake of host plant alkaloids by root parasitic Pedicularis species. Phytochemistry, 29(6), 1811-1814.
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Piper methysticum (kava)
Aporosa, S. Apo. “De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’of choice.” Drug Science, Policy and Law 5 (2019): 2050324519876131.
Bian, Tengfei et al. “Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges.” Nutrients vol. 12,10 3044. 5 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12103044
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Fu, Peter P et al. “Toxicity of kava kava.” Journal of environmental science and health. Part C, Environmental carcinogenesis & ecotoxicology reviews vol. 26,1 (2008): 89-112. doi:10.1080/10590500801907407
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Lehrl S. Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS 1490 in sleep disturbances associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. J Affect Disord. 2004 Feb;78(2):101-10. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00238-0. Erratum in: J Affect Disord. 2004 Dec;83(2-3):287. PMID: 14706720.
Martin AC, Johnston E, Xing C, Hegeman AD. Measuring the chemical and cytotoxic variability of commercially available kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster). PLoS One. 2014 Nov 3;9(11):e111572. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111572. PMID: 25365244.
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Pittler, M H, and E Ernst. “Kava extract for treating anxiety.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2003,1 (2003): CD003383. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003383
Sarris, Jerome et al. “Kava for generalised anxiety disorder: A 16-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study.” The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry vol. 54,3 (2020): 288-297. PMID: 31813230
Sarris J, Stough C, Bousman CA, Wahid ZT, Murray G, Teschke R, Savage KM, Dowell A, Ng C, Schweitzer I. Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013 Oct;33(5):643-8. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318291be67. PMID: 23635869.
Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ, Byrne G, Bone KM, Adams J, Deed G. The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS): a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial using an aqueous extract of Piper methysticum. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009 Aug;205(3):399-407. doi: 10.1007/s00213-009-1549-9. Epub 2009 May 9. PMID: 19430766.
Smith, Katelyn, and Claudia Leiras. “The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice 33 (2018): 107-117.
Soares, Rita B et al. “An Updated Review on the Psychoactive, Toxic and Anticancer Properties of Kava.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 11,14 4039. 12 Jul. 2022, doi:10.3390/jcm11144039. PMID: 35887801
Steiner, G. G. “Kava as an anticraving agent: preliminary data.” Pacific Health Dialog 8.2 (2001): 335-339.
Tzeng YM, Lee MJ. Neuroprotective properties of kavalactones. Neural Regen Res. 2015 Jun;10(6):875-7. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.158335. PMID: 26199594; PMCID: PMC4498339.
Yarnell, Eric. “The Safety of Piper Methysticum.” Botmed.rocks, 2023.
Rhodiola rosea (arctic/rose root)
Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian A. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(5):343-8. doi: 10.1080/08039480701643290. Erratum in: Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(6):503. PMID: 17990195.
Mao JJ, Xie SX, Zee J, Soeller I, Li QS, Rockwell K, Amsterdam JD. Rhodiola rosea versus sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2015 Mar 15;22(3):394-9. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2015.01.010. Epub 2015 Feb 23. PMID: 25837277; PMCID: PMC4385215.
Rosa spp. (rose)
Esfandiary, Ebrahim et al. “Novel Effects of Rosa damascena Extract on Patients with Neurocognitive Disorder and Depression: A Clinical Trial Study.” International journal of preventive medicine vol. 9 57. 29 Jun. 2018, doi:10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_199_17
Farnia, Vahid et al. “Rosa damascena oil improves SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in male patients suffering from major depressive disorders: results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment vol. 11 625-35. 9 Mar. 2015, doi:10.2147/NDT.S78696
Farnia, V et al. “Adjuvant Rosa Damascena has a Small Effect on SSRI-induced Sexual Dysfunction in Female Patients Suffering from MDD.” Pharmacopsychiatry vol. 48,4-5 (2015): 156-63. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1554712
Mohebitabar, Safieh et al. “Therapeutic efficacy of rose oil: A comprehensive review of clinical evidence.” Avicenna journal of phytomedicine vol. 7,3 (2017): 206-213.
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Xia, Ning et al. “Deciphering the antidepressant effects of Rosa damascena essential oil mediated through the serotonergic synapse signaling pathway.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 328 (2024): 118007. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118007
Tilia spp. (linden, basswood)
Aguirre-Hernández E, Martínez AL, González-Trujano ME, Moreno J, Vibrans H, Soto-Hernández M. Pharmacological evaluation of the anxiolytic and sedative effects of Tilia americana L. var. mexicana in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jan 3;109(1):140-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.07.017. Epub 2006 Jul 21. PMID: 16930893.
Allio A, Calorio C, Franchino C, Gavello D, Carbone E, Marcantoni A. Bud extracts from Tilia tomentosa Moench inhibit hippocampal neuronal firing through GABAA and benzodiazepine receptors activation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Aug 22;172:288-96. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.016. Epub 2015 Jul 2. PMID: 26144285.
Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, González-Trujano ME, Aguirre-Hernández E, Ruíz-García M, Sampieri A 3rd, Coballase-Urrutia E, Carmona-Aparicio L. Anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects of Tilia americana var. mexicana and flavonoids constituents in the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:329172. doi: 10.1155/2014/329172. Epub 2014 Aug 13. PMID: 25197430; PMCID: PMC4147264.
De Simone M, De Feo R, Choucha A, Ciaglia E, Fezeu F. Enhancing Sleep Quality: Assessing the Efficacy of a Fixed Combination of Linden, Hawthorn, Vitamin B1, and Melatonin. Med Sci (Basel). 2023 Dec 28;12(1):2. doi: 10.3390/medsci12010002. PMID: 38249078; PMCID: PMC10801487.
Herrera-Ruiz M, Román-Ramos R, Zamilpa A, Tortoriello J, Jiménez-Ferrer JE. Flavonoids from Tilia americana with anxiolytic activity in plus-maze test. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jul 23;118(2):312-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.04.019. Epub 2008 Apr 24. PMID: 18539420.
Pérez-Ortega, G., et al. “Sedative and anxiolytic efficacy of Tilia americana var. mexicana inflorescences used traditionally by communities of State of Michoacan, Mexico.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 116.3 (2008): 461-468.
Viola H, Wolfman C, Levi de Stein M, Wasowski C, Peña C, Medina JH, Paladini AC. Isolation of pharmacologically active benzodiazepine receptor ligands from Tilia tomentosa (Tiliaceae). J Ethnopharmacol. 1994 Aug;44(1):47-53. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(94)90098-1. PMID: 7990504. (Abstract.)
Theobroma cacao (chocolate)
Abdoli E, Rezaie E, Mirghafourvand M, Payahoo L, Naseri E, Ghanbari-Homaie S. A clinical trial of the effects of cocoa rich chocolate on depression and sleep quality in menopausal women. Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 14;14(1):23971. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-74804-8. PMID: 39397049; PMCID: PMC11471752.
Dillinger, T. L., et al. (2000). Food of the gods: cure for humanity? A cultural history of the medicinal and ritual use of chocolate. The Journal of nutrition, 130(8), 2057S-2072S
Fusar-Poli L, Gabbiadini A, Ciancio A, Vozza L, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. The effect of cocoa-rich products on depression, anxiety, and mood: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(28):7905-7916. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1920570. Epub 2021 May 10. PMID: 33970709.
Jackson SE, Smith L, Firth J, Grabovac I, Soysal P, Koyanagi A, Hu L, Stubbs B, Demurtas J, Veronese N, Zhu X, Yang L. Is there a relationship between chocolate consumption and symptoms of depression? A cross-sectional survey of 13,626 US adults. Depress Anxiety. 2019 Oct;36(10):987-995. doi: 10.1002/da.22950. Epub 2019 Jul 29. PMID: 31356717.
Jalil AM, Ismail A. Polyphenols in cocoa and cocoa products: is there a link between antioxidant properties and health? Molecules. 2008 Sep 16;13(9):2190-219. doi: 10.3390/molecules13092190. PMID: 18830150; PMCID: PMC6245372.
Lippi, D. (2013). Chocolate in history: food, medicine, medi-food. Nutrients, 5(5), 1573-1584.
Nehlig A. The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Mar;75(3):716-27. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04378.x. PMID: 22775434; PMCID: PMC3575938.
Pase MP, Scholey AB, Pipingas A, Kras M, Nolidin K, Gibbs A, Wesnes K, Stough C. Cocoa polyphenols enhance positive mood states but not cognitive performance: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2013 May;27(5):451-8. doi: 10.1177/0269881112473791. Epub 2013 Jan 29. PMID: 23364814.
Rose N, Koperski S, Golomb BA. Mood food: chocolate and depressive symptoms in a cross-sectional analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2010 Apr 26;170(8):699-703. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2010.78. PMID: 20421555; PMCID: PMC4285457.
Shin, Ji-Hee, et al. “Consumption of 85% cocoa dark chocolate improves mood in association with gut microbial changes in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial.” The Journal of nutritional biochemistry 99 (2022): 108854.
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha)
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262.
Gannon, J. M., Forrest, P. E., & Roy Chengappa, K. N. (2014). Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 5(4), 241–245.
Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, et al. (September 28, 2019) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus 11(9): e5797.
Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186.
Zingiber officinale (ginger)
Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, Min JE, Yoon YC, Lee EG, Kim M, Kim TJ, Yang YY, Son EY, Yoon SJ, Diem NC, Kim HM, Kwon SW. Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 6;12(1):157. doi: 10.3390/nu12010157. PMID: 31935866; PMCID: PMC7019938.
Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, Isenring E, Lohning A. Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative review exploring the mechanisms of action. Nutr Rev. 2023 Aug 10;81(9):1213-1224. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac115. PMID: 36688554.
Kongsui R, Sriraksa N, Thongrong S. The Neuroprotective Effect of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Extract on LPS-Induced Neuronal Cell Loss and Astroglial Activation within the Hippocampus. Biomed Res Int. 2020 May 25;2020:4259316. doi: 10.1155/2020/4259316. PMID: 32596307; PMCID: PMC7273477.
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Ziziphys jujuba (Jujube)
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