Gelsemium sempervirens, also known as yellow jasmine, is used in homeopathy, a form of alternative medicine, to treat people with anxiety-related symptoms. It is a vine native to warm temperate and tropical areas in America, from Guatemala north to the southeastern United States. Anxiety is a normal response to stress but can signal a disorder if it is inappropriate, extreme and persistent.
Homeopathy
Evidence of the benefits of homeopathy on anxiety is limited, according to a 2006 study published by K. Pilkington and colleagues in Homeopathy. Surveys show that homeopathy is frequently used by people suffering from anxiety. It may be beneficial because of lack of adverse effects and acceptability by people with anxiety. Still, further investigation of homeopathic methods is warranted.
Anxiety
Emotional symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of dread or apprehension, trouble concentrating and irritability. Physical signs can include a racing heart, sweating, stomach upset, muscle tension and headaches. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia. Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication and behavioral therapies. Some people also find benefits with complementary therapies like exercise, relaxation techniques and hypnosis.
Effect
Gelsemium sempervirens improves the behavior of mice when faced with a novel environment, according to a 2009 article published by Paolo Bellavite and colleagues in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It also reduced stress-induced behavioral alterations of mice when faced with anxiety-producing tests in a 2001 Journal of Ethnopharmacology study published by D. Bousta and colleagues.
Mechanism
Gelsemium sempervirens is proposed to work by influencing emotional response, according to the 2009 Bellavite study. It acts on the benzodiazepine receptors, reducing anxiety, found a 2010 study published by Hassan Rammal and Rachid Soulimani in the Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. Benzodiazeprines are a class of drug used to treat anxiety. Receptors allow brain neurons to communicate with each other.
Dose
Findings vary widely based on the dose administered and the test performed, according to the 2009 Bellavite study. The anti-anxiety effects of gelsemium sempervirens are apparent even at high dilutions, according to a 2010 study published by Paolo Magnani and colleagues in Psychopharmacology. Large doses of crude Gelsemium can act on the nervous system and cause motor paralysis. Homeopathic preparations are diluted.
References
- "Homeopathy;" Homeopathy for Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Research; K. Pilkington, et al.; July 2006.
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology;" Neurotropic, Immunological and Gastric Effects of Low Doses of Atropa Belladonna L., Gelsemium Sempervirens L. and Poumon Histamine in Stressed Mice.; D. Bousta, et al.; March 2001.
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine;" Homeopathic Doses of Gelsemium sempervirens Improve the Behavior of Mice in Response to Novel Environments; Paolo Bellavite, et al.; 2009.
- "Psychopharmacology;" Dose-Effect Study of Gelsemium Sempervirens in High Dilutions on Anxiety-Related Responses in Mice
- "Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences;" Effects of High Doses of Gelsemium Sempervirens L. on GABA Receptor and on the Cellular and Humoral Immunity in Mice
