Generalized anxiety: a systematic review Passiflora incarnata (passion fruit), Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) and Melissa officinalis (lemongrass)

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants with healing purpose and treatment of diseases accompanying human societies since the beginning of its existence. Marques postulated that even with the globalization of the chemical industry and the use of synthetic drugs, products from medicinal plants still hold a share of the world market, 14 billion of an estimated $ 280 billion (about 5% of the world market pharmaceuticals). In Brazil, the estimated amount spent on herbal medicines is of the order of 300 million dollars, relatively low; representing approximately 4% of the total pharmaceutical market in the order of $ 7.4 million; when compared with the values of Europe and the United States in 2000, equivalent to 8.5 and 6.3 billion dollars respectively.1,2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is among the disorders the most common currently found anxiety, approximately 12% of the population, according to the Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo, research conducted in 2011, which is almost 24 million Brazilians with pathological anxiety.3 Among its symptoms include involuntary bodily manifestations such as dry mouth, sweating, chills, tremor, vomiting, palpitations, and abdominal pain. The most recommended herbal remedies for anxiety is kava (Kava), Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, glauca Galphimia, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and Matricaria recutita (chamomile); allopathic drugs most commonly used to treat anxiety are Diazepam, Buspirone, Clonazepam, Sertraline, among others.4,5 The aim of this study was to develop a systematic review on Randomized, controlled clinical trials with Matricaria recutita (camomile), Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) and Passiflora incarnata (passion fruit) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The specific objectives of the study include identifying clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of Matricaria recutita (Chamomile), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) and Passiflora incarnata (passion fruit) for the treatment of GAD; describe the characteristics of these herbal medicines and provide clinical evidence for the correct prescription and rationalized these herbal medicines. Despite the advances noted in treating GAD in recent years, it is estimated that less than 50% of patients suffering from total remission of symptoms.6 So this review is justified by the fact that pharmacotherapeutic alternative may be required. And considering that herbal pharmaceuticals are freely available and can be directly linked to self-medication, prescription and use must be made safely, rational and guided by scientific evidence.