Persian herbal medicines with anxiolytic properties

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are amongst the most popular diseases which interfere with normal life. Benzodiazepines are used as a first line of treatment, but difficulties with pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders such as dependence and low response rate, encourage researchers to find new approaches. From the past, the role of medicinal plants have been a subject of intense interest. In this respect, Citrus aurantium, Coriandrum sativum, Crocus sativus, Echium amoenum, Nepeta persica Boiss, Stachys lavandulifolia and Salix aegyptiaca are widely used by Iranian population. This review summarized the information on Iranian plant species that have been explored for their potential anti-anxiety profile using validated animal models, doses and possible mechanism.