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Nieman KM, Zhu Y, Tucker M, Koecher K. The Role of Dietary Ingredients in Mental Energy - A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2024; 43:167-182. [PMID: 37561965 DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2244031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Low mental energy can contribute to decreased productivity, altered life balance, decreased physical performance, and ultimately affect quality of life. As such, there is a great demand for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy. Numerous products claim to alter mental energy making continued review of the scientific evidence critical. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of 18 dietary ingredients on mental energy outcomes in adults without severe disease. Methods: A literature search, completed using PubMed, resulted in the identification of 2261 articles, 190 of which met eligibility from initial abstract review. Full-text review was completed on the 190 studies which resulted in 101 articles that fully met eligibility for inclusion in this study. The search strategy for two ingredients did not yield any eligible studies, leaving studies for 16 ingredients that were extracted and summarized by reported significantly improved outcomes for cognition, mood and perceived feelings, and sleep assessments. The preliminary results for several dietary ingredients directionally suggested a mental energy benefit (≥20% of outcomes), including ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, tart cherries, turmeric, and valerian root. The results of this scoping review suggest that of the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 may be promising for further exploration on their potential benefits in supporting mental energy. Given consumer demand and market growth for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy; continued efforts in assessment method alignment and additional evaluation in well-designed trials is warranted.KEY TEACHING POINTSOf the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 (ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, melatonin foods, turmeric, and valerian root) may be promising for further exploration on their potential mental energy benefits.Dark chocolate, ginseng, ashwagandha, and lion's mane mushroom were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the cognition domain of the ingredients evaluated.Turmeric, maca, lavendar, and ashwagandha were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the mood and perceived feelings domain of the ingredients evaluated.Ashwagandha, chamomile, green tea, melatonin foods, valerian root were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the sleep domain of the ingredients evaluated.Additional, well-designed, consistent, clinical trials and systematic reviews are warranted as the challenge of heterogeneity in mental energy study design remains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Zhu
- Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michelle Tucker
- Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Katie Koecher
- Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Korczak M, Pilecki M, Granica S, Gorczynska A, Pawłowska KA, Piwowarski JP. Phytotherapy of mood disorders in the light of microbiota-gut-brain axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 111:154642. [PMID: 36641978 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical research in natural product-based psychopharmacology has revealed a variety of promising herbal medicines that may provide benefit in the treatment of mild mood disorders, however failed to unambiguously indicate pharmacologically active constituents. The emerging role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis opens new possibilities in the search for effective methods of treatment and prevention of mood disorders. PURPOSE Considering the clinically proven effectiveness juxtaposed with inconsistencies regarding the indication of active principles for many medicinal plants applied in the treatment of anxiety and depression, the aim of the review is to look at their therapeutic properties from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. METHOD A literature-based survey was performed using Scopus, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases. The current state of knowledge regarding Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Piper methysticum, Passiflora incarnata, Humulus lupulus, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, and Rhodiola rosea in terms of their antimicrobial activity, bioavailability, clinical effectiveness in depression/anxiety and gut microbiota - natural products interaction was summarized and analyzed. RESULTS Recent studies have provided direct and indirect evidence that herbal extracts and isolated compounds are potent modulators of gut microbiota structure. Additionally, some of the formed postbiotic metabolites exert positive effects and ameliorate depression-related behaviors in animal models of mood disorders. The review underlines the gap in research on natural products - gut microbiota interaction in the context of mood disorders. CONCLUSION Modification of microbiota-gut-brain axis by natural products is a plausible explanation of their therapeutic properties. Future studies evaluating the effectiveness of herbal medicine and isolated compounds in treating mild mood disorders should consider the bidirectional interplay between phytoconstituents and the gut microbiota community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Korczak
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Pilecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Sebastian Granica
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gorczynska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina A Pawłowska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub P Piwowarski
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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Dodd F, Kennedy D, Wightman E, Khan J, Patan M, Elcoate R, Jackson P. The chronic effects of a combination of herbal extracts (Euphytose ®) on psychological mood state and response to a laboratory stressor: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study in healthy humans. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1243-1256. [PMID: 35875924 PMCID: PMC9643820 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221112933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders has been estimated at approximately 16.6%, with subclinical prevalence likely much higher. Herbal approaches to reduce anxiety may be as effective as pharmacological treatments and are less likely to be associated with adverse side effects. The herbal species, namely, valerian, passionflower, hawthorn and ballota, have a long history of use as anxiolytics in traditional medicine, further supported by recent pre-clinical and clinical trials. AIMS To assess the effects of chronic (14 days) supplementation with a multi-herb extract preparation (MHEP, Euphytose®) on psychological state and psychological and physiological stress responses during a laboratory stressor. METHODS In this crossover study, 31 healthy participants (aged 19-58 years) received a MHEP and placebo for 14 days with a 28-day washout. Anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), mood and physiological measures of stress (heart rate, galvanic skin response, salivary α-amylase and cortisol levels) were measured before and after an Observed Multitasking Stressor. Cognitive performance was also assessed. RESULTS MHEP was associated with reduced tension-anxiety (p = 0.038), with participants showing an attenuated response to the observed multitasking psychosocial stressor following MHEP, evidenced by lower salivary α-amylase (p = 0.041) and galvanic skin response (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The combination of herbal extracts contained within the MHEP reduced subjective anxiety in a healthy population and lowered electrodermal skin conductance and concentration of salivary α-amylase in response to a psychosocial stressor, compared to placebo. The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT03909906).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Dodd
- Department of Psychology, Brain,
Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK,Fiona Dodd, Department of Psychology,
Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - David Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, Brain,
Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Wightman
- Nutrition Trials at Northumbria
(NUTRAN) Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julie Khan
- Department of Psychology, Brain,
Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK
| | - Michael Patan
- Department of Psychology, Brain,
Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK
| | - Rian Elcoate
- Department of Psychology, Brain,
Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK
| | - Philippa Jackson
- Department of Psychology, Brain,
Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon
Tyne, UK
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Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27186021. [PMID: 36144755 PMCID: PMC9500625 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental disorders, which are on the rise worldwide, are indications that pharmacological therapy can have serious adverse effects, which is why many patients prefer to use herbal products to treat these symptoms. Here, we reviewed plants and products derived from them that are commonly used for the above indications, focusing on clinical data and safety profiles. While lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress, currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression. Recent studies support the use of saffron for depression; however, its toxicological profile raises safety concerns. St. John’s wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression; however, careful use is necessary particularly due to possible interactions with other drugs. In conclusion, more studies are needed to validate the mechanism of action so that these plants can be used successfully and safely to alleviate or eliminate various mental disorders.
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Zhang W, Yan Y, Wu Y, Yang H, Zhu P, Yan F, Zhao R, Tian P, Wang T, Fan Q, Su Z. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Shinjyo N, Waddell G, Green J. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Evid Based Integr Med 2021; 25:2515690X20967323. [PMID: 33086877 PMCID: PMC7585905 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x20967323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep problems are widely prevalent and associated with various comorbidities including anxiety. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is a popular herbal medicine used as a sleep aid, however the outcomes of previous clinical studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to update and re-evaluate the available data in order to understand the reason behind the inconsistent outcomes and to provide a broader view of the use of valerian for associated disorders. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve publications relevant to the effectiveness of valerian as a treatment of sleep problems and associated disorders. A total of 60 studies (n=6,894) were included in this review, and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness to improve subjective sleep quality (10 studies, n=1,065) and to reduce anxiety (8 studies, n=535). Results suggested that inconsistent outcomes were possibly due to the variable quality of herbal extracts and that more reliable effects could be expected from the whole root/rhizome. In addition, therapeutic benefits could be optimized when it was combined with appropriate herbal partners. There were no severe adverse events associated with valerian intake in subjects aged between 7 and 80 years. In conclusion, valerian could be a safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders. However, due to the presence of multiple active constituents and relatively unstable nature of some of the active constituents, it may be necessary to revise the quality control processes, including standardization methods and shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shinjyo
- Department of Infection and Host Defence, Graduate School of Medicine, 12737Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Julia Green
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, 4921University of Westminster, London, UK
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Borrás S, Martínez-Solís I, Ríos JL. Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2021; 87:738-753. [PMID: 34116572 DOI: 10.1055/a-1510-9826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disorders are common among the general population and can generate health problems such as insomnia and anxiety. In addition to standard drugs and psychological interventions, there are different complementary plant-based therapies used to treat insomnia and anxiety. This review aimed to find and examine the most recent research on the use of herbal medicines for treating anxiety and insomnia as compiled from clinical trials, as well as to assess the safety and efficacy of these medicines and to elucidate their possible mechanisms of action. The process entailed a search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases from 2010 to 2020. The search terms included "sleep disorder", "insomnia", "sedative", "hypnotic", "anxiety", "anxiolytic", and "clinical trial", combined with the search terms "herbs" and "medicinal plants", in addition to individual herbal medicines by both their common and scientific names. This updated review, which focuses mainly on clinical trials, includes research on 23 medicinal plants and their combinations. Essential oils and their associations have also been reviewed. The efficacy of medicinal plants depends on treatment duration, types of study subjects, administration route, and treatment method. More clinical trials with an adequate, standardized design are necessary, as are more preclinical studies to continue studying the mechanisms of action. As a result of our work, we can conclude that the 3 plants with the most potential are valerian, passionflower, and ashwagandha, with the combination of valerian with hops and passionflower giving the best results in the clinical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Borrás
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Spain
| | - Isabel Martínez-Solís
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Spain
| | - José Luis Ríos
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Spain
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González-Trujano ME, Contreras-Murillo G, López-Najera CA, Hidalgo-Flores FJ, Navarrete-Castro A, Sánchez CG, Magdaleno-Madrigal VM. Anticonvulsant activity of Valeriana edulis roots and valepotriates on the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 265:113299. [PMID: 32841694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE For many centuries, Mexican Valerian (Valeriana edulis ssp. procera) has been an important plant in folk medicine. It has been considered useful to control epilepsy; however, electroencephalographic evidence of its anticonvulsant activity is missing in literature. AIM OF THE STUDY In the present study, in situ electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis was performed along with administration of a crude ethanol extract of V. edulis and its valepotriate fraction on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsive behavior in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Experiments were performed using male Wistar rats with nail-shaped electrodes implanted in the frontal and parietal cortices for EEG recording. All animals received a single dose of PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) to test the anticonvulsant activity of V. edulis crude extract and valepotriate fraction (100 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 and/or 30 min after administration. EEG recordings were obtained from the cortices and were evaluated to assess ictal behavior over 60-75 min. Chromatographic analysis of the valepotriate fraction and in silico predictions of pharmacodynamic properties were also explored. The latency, frequency and duration of seizures evaluated using EEG recordings from the frontal and parietal cortices of rats showed significant changes demonstrating the inhibition of paroxystic activity. RESULTS The spectral analysis confirmed the reduction of excitatory activity induced by V. edulis extract, which was improved in the presence of the valepotriate fraction as compared to that induced by ethosuximide (a reference anticonvulsant drug). The presence of valepotriates such as: isodihydrovaltrate (18.99%), homovaltrate (13.51%), 10-acetoxy-valtrathydrin (4%) and valtrate (1.34%) was identified by chromatographic analysis. Whereas, not only GABAA receptor participation but also the cannabinoid CB2 receptor was found to be likely involved in the anticonvulsant mechanism of action after in silico prediction. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the anticonvulsant properties attributed to this plant in folk medicine, due to the presence of valepotriates.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eva González-Trujano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología de Productos Naturales, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco No. 101 Col, San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Contreras-Murillo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Del Control y La Regulación, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco No. 101 Col, San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia Andrea López-Najera
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Del Control y La Regulación, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco No. 101 Col, San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fernando Josué Hidalgo-Flores
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Del Control y La Regulación, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco No. 101 Col, San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrés Navarrete-Castro
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Farmacia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, 04510, México D.F., Mexico
| | - Concepción Gamboa Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología de Productos Naturales, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco No. 101 Col, San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Víctor Manuel Magdaleno-Madrigal
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Del Control y La Regulación, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de La Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco No. 101 Col, San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Nguyen SA, LAvretsky H. Emerging Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Geriatric Mental Health. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2020; 7:447-470. [PMID: 32904865 PMCID: PMC7458879 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-020-00229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is on the rise among diverse populations of older adults in the USA. CIM is commonly perceived as safer, less expensive, and more culturally acceptable. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of CIM, especially mind-body therapies, diet and nutritional supplements used for mental disorders of aging. RECENT FINDINGS We summarize the results of the recent clinical trials and meta-analyses that provide the evidence for the role of CIM in treating older adults with mood or cognitive disorders that includes the use of diet and supplements, and mind-body therapies. SUMMARY Dietary and mind-body therapies have become increasingly popular and show the strongest evidence of efficacy for mood and cognitive disorders. Although the use of vitamins and supplements is the most popular CIM practice, only mixed evidence supports their use with additional concerns for herb (supplement)-drug interactions. Despite increasing use of CIM by the general population, information to guide clinicians providing care for older adults remains limited with variable scientific rigor of the available RCTs for a large number of commonly used CIM interventions for the mental health of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Helen LAvretsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
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