Potential herbal anxiolytics

The herbal medicines described in this chapter (Milk thistle (Silybum marianum); Iranian borage (Echium amoenum); Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium); Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)) are considered to be novel treatments for anxiety. While they have a long history of traditional use for a variety of medical conditions, they are not usually considered as treatments for anxiety, or are not commonly used outside of their native countries. These herbal treatments have been included, as they have been shown to possess some clinical evidence in human trials, and may be potential treatments for reducing symptoms of anxiety, although further research is required. The mechanisms of anxiolytic action for these herbs are yet to be firmly established, and it is recommended that future studies further investigate these substances in order to determine their efficacy in the treatment of anxiety.