Dr. Grey AI

Anxiety Disorders (Other)

Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders characterized by symptoms of excessive anxiety and/or fear. Anxiety itself, unlike fear, is persistent and concerns future events. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias such as fear of flying or agoraphobia, and panic disorder. Note: Examine has separate pages for the anxiety disorders just listed. The Examine Database on this page covers studies in people with other anxiety disorders, unspecified anxiety disorders, or mixed anxiety disorders.

Quick Answer

What it is

Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders characterized by symptoms of excessive anxiety and/or fear. Anxiety itself, unlike fear, is persistent and concerns future events.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Anxiety Symptoms (Kava)
  • Grade C: Anxiety (California Poppy)
  • Grade C: Anxiety and Stress (Luo Bu Ma)

Safety

  • The effect may involve serotonin receptor modulation and cannabinoid receptor interaction.
ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Anxiety Disorders (Other)

  • Supplements Studied:7
  • Research Trials:13
  • Total Participants:6,104
  • Grade A Supplements:1
  • Top Supplement:Kava (A)
13 trials
6,104 ppts
7 supps · 30 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Strong Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

KavaA
300mg daily (standardized to kavalactones)

Binds to GABA-A receptors and modulates limbic system activity, producing anxiolytic effects without cognitive impairment

7 studies | 380 participants
AshwagandhaB
600mg daily

Modulates the HPA axis by reducing cortisol levels and enhancing GABAergic signaling through withanolide compounds

10 studies | 540 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

LavenderB
80mg daily (Silexan)

Inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels and modulates NMDA receptor activity, reducing neuronal hyperexcitability

19 studies | 1,893 participants
SaffronB
30mg daily

Increases serotonin reuptake inhibition via crocin and safranal compounds while providing antioxidant neuroprotection

3 studies | 180 participants

How It Works

Anxiety disorders involve an overactive stress response system in the brain. When you experience anxiety, your brain's alarm centers (particularly the amygdala) become hyperactive, while calming signals from GABA receptors are weakened. This creates a cycle of worry, tension, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and restlessness.

•Kava works directly on GABA receptors, the brain's primary calming system. It produces relaxation similar to anti-anxiety medications but without causing drowsiness or mental fog. Studies show moderate improvement in anxiety symptoms.
•Ashwagandha targets the stress hormone cortisol by calming the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Lower cortisol means your body stays out of fight-or-flight mode more easily. It also supports GABA activity.
•Lavender (as Silexan capsules) calms overexcited nerve cells by blocking calcium channels that trigger neuronal firing. This gentle effect helps reduce the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety.
•Saffron supports healthy serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter associated with mood and emotional balance. It also protects brain cells from oxidative stress.

Expected timeline: Initial calming effects from kava within days. Ashwagandha and saffron show benefits at 4-6 weeks. Optimal results at 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Supplements for Anxiety Disorders (Other)

Sorted by strength of evidence

AKava
2
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑AggressionImproves↑Subjective Well-BeingImproves
BSaffron
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑Depression SymptomsWorsens↑Sleep QualityImproves
BLavender
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑Blood PressureWorsens↑Heart RateWorsens
BAshwagandha
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves↑Stress Signs and SymptomsWorsens↑Sleep DurationImproves
CLemon Balm
1
↑AggressionImproves↑Anxiety SymptomsWorsens↑Fatigue SymptomsWorsens
CGABA
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves
CBromantane
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves
CCalifornia Poppy
1
↓AnxietyImproves
CChaihu Longgu Muli Decoction
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves
CConvolvulus pluricaulis
1
↓Anxiety ReductionWorsens
CGriffonia simplicifolia
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves
CLuo Bu Ma
1
↓Anxiety and StressImproves
CMatured Hop Extract
1
↑Mood and AnxietyImproves
CPhellodendron amurense
1
↓Stress and AnxietyImproves
CSpikenard
1
↓AnxietyImproves
D7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
1
↓AnxietyImproves
DButterfly Pea
1
↓AnxietyImproves
DCelastrus Paniculatus
1
↓AnxietyImproves
DColuracetam
1
↓Depression and Anxiety SymptomsImproves
DDamiana Leaf
1
↓AnxietyImproves

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
7 studies
moderate↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Subjective Well-Being
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
19 studies
moderate↓Improves
?
Blood Pressure
6 studies
↑Worsens
?
Heart Rate
6 studies
↑Worsens
?
Cortisol
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
10 studies
moderate↓Improves
?
Stress Signs and Symptoms
10 studies
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Duration
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Efficiency
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sleep Latency
2 studies
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Motivation
1 study
↑Improves
?
Weight
1 study
↑Worsens
B
Anxiety Symptoms
Small Improvement
3 studies
small↓Improves
?
Depression Symptoms
3 studies
↑Worsens
?
Sleep Quality
1 study
↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety improvement has been reported as a secondary outcome in multiple depression and insomnia meta-analyses, and the hypertension meta-analysis (7 RCTs, n=711) showed significant depression/mood score improvements (PHQ-9 −3.52). However, no dedicated anxiety-focused RCTs or meta-analyses exist. A clinical trial (NCT06725771) combining CLMLD with sertraline for generalized anxiety disorder is ongoing.
8 studies
small↓Improves
C
Anxiety
In rodent models, California poppy extracts showed anxiolytic effects in elevated plus-maze and behavioral tests, attributed to GABA-A receptor and 5-HT1A receptor modulation by isoquinoline alkaloids. One double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (n=264) found a combination product (Sympathyl) containing California poppy, hawthorn, and magnesium significantly reduced mild-to-moderate anxiety scores, though the individual contribution of California poppy cannot be isolated from the other ingredients.
5 studies
moderate↓Improves
C
Anxiety and Stress
A large RCT (n=370 completers) found 50 mg/day Venetron for 6 weeks significantly reduced perceived stress and showed marginal significance for anxiety reduction vs placebo. A small crossover RCT (n=17) found reduced mental stress with 50 mg/day for 8 days. In animal models, the extract showed anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus maze mediated primarily through the GABAergic system, with kaempferol identified as an active anxiolytic compound.
5 studies
small↓Improves
C
Anxiety Reduction
Multiple animal studies demonstrate anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines in elevated plus maze and other behavioral models. Mechanism appears to involve GABA-A receptor modulation. Dose-dependent CNS depressant and anxiolytic effects confirmed across hydroalcoholic, ethanolic, and chloroform extracts in mice at 100-300 mg/kg.
4 studies
moderate↓Worsens
C
Anxiety Symptoms
In rodent models, Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract (10-25 mg/kg) significantly increased time in the light compartment in the dark-light test and reduced thigmotaxis in the open field, indicating anxiolytic-like effects. A double-blind trial compared 5-HTP to clomipramine and placebo in anxiety disorders. A controlled infusion study (n=40) found 5-HTP did not provoke panic in panic disorder patients and some reported subjective relief.
4 studies
small↓Improves
C
Mood and Anxiety
An RCT (n=60) found 12 weeks of MHBA (35 mg/day) significantly improved subjective fatigue and anxiety vs placebo. An RCT (n=100) found significantly lower beta-endorphin levels suggesting improved mood state. A pilot study (n=97) of non-alcoholic beer with MHBA showed improved total mood state including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and vigor after 3 weeks. Animal data show MHBA reduces LPS-induced depression-like behavior via vagus nerve-mediated norepinephrine release.
4 studies
small↑Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiolytic effects are supported by one placebo-controlled asthenia trial showing reduced anxiety symptoms (PMID: 21322821), a supporting clinical report (PMID: 19491814), and rat behavioral data showing anxiolytic effects without prominent locomotor stimulation at tested doses (PMID: 16047669). Clinical anxiety-specific RCT data remain limited.
3 studies
small↓Improves
C
Stress and Anxiety
Two RCTs of Relora (Magnolia officinalis + Phellodendron amurense combination) in moderately stressed adults found significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety. Talbott et al. (2013, n=56) reported −11% overall stress and improved global mood (p<0.05); Kalman et al. (2008, n=26 completers) found significant reduction in state anxiety (p=0.045). Effects are from combination products, not Phellodendron alone.
3 studies
moderate↓Improves
C
Anxiety
A double-blind RCT (n=76) compared Jatamansi 1000mg twice daily to imipramine for generalized anxiety disorder. An animal study showed anxiolytic effects comparable to diazepam via GABA-benzodiazepine receptor activation at 250mg/kg for 7 days in mice. One small RCT and supportive preclinical data suggest anxiolytic potential, but human evidence remains limited.
3 studies
moderate↓Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Small Decrease in anxiety measures
2 studies
small↓Improves
C
Aggression
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anxiety Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Insomnia Signs and Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
D
Sedation and Anxiolytic Effects
Palmatine's sedative properties appear mediated through dopamine biosynthesis inhibition (IC50 = 7.9 μM in PC12 cells) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor binding (IC50 = 956 nM), rather than direct GABA-A modulation — a 2003 study found palmatine had no effect on GABA-A binding, unlike its reduced derivative tetrahydropalmatine. Palmatine crosses the blood-brain barrier, enabling CNS activity. Evidence is limited to in vitro receptor/enzyme studies.
3 studies
small↑Improves
D
Anxiety
In rodent models, 7,8-DHF alleviated anxiety-like behavior induced by chronic alcohol exposure via TrkB signaling in the amygdala. Also enhanced fear extinction and emotional learning in separate rodent studies, suggesting anxiolytic potential through neurotrophic mechanisms.
2 studies
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety
In rodent models, Clitoria ternatea root extracts showed anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze and light-dark box tests, with effects comparable to low-dose diazepam but without motor impairment. The proposed mechanism involves GABA-A receptor modulation, but no human trials have been conducted.
2 studies
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety
In rat models, Celastrus paniculatus seed oil (1–1.5 g/kg) showed significant anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze and open field tests without producing tolerance. The anxiolytic effect may involve GABA modulation.
2 studies
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety
Damiana contains apigenin, a flavonoid with known GABA-A receptor binding activity. Limited animal studies suggest anxiolytic effects, though these may be attributable to apigenin content rather than damiana-specific compounds.
2 studies
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety Reduction
In rodent elevated plus maze models, Evolvulus alsinoides extract demonstrated anxiolytic effects, possibly mediated via serotonin and GABA modulation. Supported by long traditional Ayurvedic use for anxiety and mental disorders, but no human data exists.
2 studies
small↓Worsens
D
Anxiety
Anxiolytic effects observed in animal behavioral models. The 5-HT1A partial agonist activity of GME provides a plausible mechanism, paralleling the anxiolytic drug buspirone which acts via the same receptor. No human trials of isolated Gou-teng for anxiety have been conducted.
2 studies
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety Symptoms
In rodent models, oleamide produced anxiolytic-like effects in both group-housed and socially isolated mice, with behavioral changes observed across multiple anxiety paradigms. The effect may involve serotonin receptor modulation and cannabinoid receptor interaction.
2 studies
moderate↓Improves
D
Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
BrainCells Inc. conducted a Phase 2 clinical trial for major depressive disorder with comorbid generalized anxiety disorder. Primary endpoints were not met — no significant benefit over placebo was demonstrated. Development for this indication was discontinued.
1 study
small↓Improves
D
Anxiety Symptoms
In a mouse study, fennel essential oil at 100-200 mg/kg significantly increased time spent and entries into open arms of the elevated plus maze test, and reduced rearing behavior in the staircase test, suggesting anxiolytic activity comparable to diazepam. No human trials exist.
1 study
small↓Improves
D
Stress Resilience
In a mouse unpredictable chronic mild stress model, P. olacoides extract prevented stress-induced anxiety-like behavior and hyperglycemia, suggesting adaptogen-like properties. Notably, it did not produce direct anxiolytic effects in unstressed animals.
1 study
small↑Worsens
D
Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects
In a mouse study (Alonso-Castro 2019), oral D-pinitol at 1-100 mg/kg exhibited anxiolytic-like effects (ED50 70 mg/kg, mediated via GABAergic system) and antidepressant-like activity (ED50 26 mg/kg, via noradrenergic system). Anticonvulsant properties were also observed. No human data available.
1 study
small↓Worsens
?
Anxiety Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens

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