Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for the Management of Anxiety in Iranian Medicine

Objective: Anxiety is a prevalent psychological disorder that substantially impairs quality of life. Traditional Iranian Medicine (TIM) has long utilized medicinal plants as natural, low-side-effect interventions for anxiety management. This study aims to identify TIM-documented plants with anxiolytic properties and to explore their underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across reputable TIM texts, herbal pharmacopoeias, and online scientific databases. Medicinal plants reported to have anxiolytic effects were identified, and their mechanisms of action were analyzed. Results: Identified plants 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., Anethum graveolens L., Alcea rosea L., Valeriana montana Scop., Salix alba L., Rosa spp., Boswellia serrata Roxb., and Cichorium intybus L. These plants exert anxiolytic effects via neurotransmitter modulation, hormonal regulation, antioxidant activity, and sleep enhancement. Conclusion: TIM-based medicinal plants represent promising, safe, and complementary strategies for anxiety management. Nonetheless, establishing standardized dosages, ensuring formulation quality, and conducting rigorous clinical trials are crucial to validate efficacy and achieve reproducible therapeutic outcomes

کلیدواژه ها:

Anxiety ، Medicinal Plants ، Traditional Iranian Medicine ، Sedative ، Natural Therapy