Anxiety and depression, the two most common mental disorders, affect 55 million people in the U.S., according to the Archives of General Psychiatry. Anxiety is characterized by persistent worry that impedes an person's ability to relax. Depression, which has been linked to anxiety, has many overlapping symptoms. Use of herbal remedies and dietary supplements, increased from 34 percent of the U.S. population in 1990 to 42 percent in 1997, according to the journal of the "American Medical Association." Anxious or depressed persons use herbs and supplements twice as often than those reporting any other illness, except for back and neck pain. Patients should know that supplements offer benefits and risks, and thus, they should consult a doctor before using them.
Kava
Pacific Islanders use kava extracts for its mild anxiolytic and sedative properties. There is compelling data that kava improves anxiety. The potential benefit outweighs the risks with short-term use in patients with mild to moderate anxiety.
In 2001, kava extracts were associated with fulminant liver failure, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." In March 2002, FDA issued a warning: "Although liver damage related to kava consumption appears rarely, FDA believes consumers should be informed of this potential risk." Liver-related injuries, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure requiring liver transplantation have occurred with kava products. Based on clinical trial data, doses less than 400mg per day did not cause liver injury, as stated by by Dr. SE. Lakhan in a 2010 article in "Nutrition Journal."
Yunzhi and Danshen
A study in the journal "Patient Preference and Adherence" examined the combination of daily yunzhi and danshen mushrooms for six months on quality of life in eighty-two breast cancer patients. Emotion and health transition were significantly improved with this herbal therapy.
Inositol
Inositol, a form of sugar, is found in beans, fruits and nuts; it is important for brain function, and it has modest effects in patients with panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
A double-blind, controlled, randomized crossover study compared the effect of inositol with fluvoxamine in panic disorder. Twenty patients completed 1 month of inositol and fluvoxamine. Improvements on Anxiety Rating scores were similar for both treatments. Nausea and tiredness were more common with fluvoxamine.
Decrease levels of cerebrospinal fluid inositol has been reported in depressed patients. A double-blind trial of inositol was conducted in 28 depressed patients for four weeks. Significant overall benefit for inositol compared to placebo was found at week 4 on a depression scale.
St. John's Wort
In 1996, a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published in the "British Medical Journal" showed that St. John's Wort was more effective than placebo for treating mild to moderate depression. More research needs to be conducted on St. John's wort in order to determine its effectiveness, however.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association;" Trends in Alternative Medicine Use in the United States, 1990--1997: Results of a Follow-Up National Survey; Eisenberg DM; 1998
- "American Family Physician"; Herbal and Dietary Supplements for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders; Sy Atezaz Saeed, MD; Aug 2007
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Kava Fact Sheet
- Patient Preference and Adherence: The Efficacy of Herbal Therapy on Quality of Life; Lai Yi Eliza Wong; July 2010
- NutraIngredients.com: FDA Issues Kava Warning
- "Archives of General Psychiatry;" Prevalence, Severity, Comorbidity od 12-Month DSM-IV Disorders; Dr. R. Kessler; 2005
