The Uncomfortable Truth About Anxiety Supplements
Every health food store has an “anxiety relief” section. Most of what’s on those shelves doesn’t work.
Not because the idea is wrong — some supplements genuinely do reduce anxiety, backed by clinical trials and real neurobiological mechanisms. The problem is the signal-to-noise ratio. For every supplement with solid human evidence, there are ten herbal blends, proprietary formulas, and “adaptogen stacks” that are selling you expensive placebo.
This guide cuts through that. I reviewed the clinical literature to give you an honest answer: which supplements have real evidence for anxiety, what doses actually work, what the risks are, and what to avoid entirely.
What this guide covers:
- The neurobiological mechanisms behind anxiety
- Why most anxiety supplements fail
- A tiered evidence ranking for 11 supplements
- Evidence-based protocols with real doses
- Drug interactions you must know about
- The Foundation First framework (supplements are fourth-line, not first)
What Anxiety Actually Is (The Science, Fast)
Before you can evaluate a supplement, you need to understand what you’re trying to target. “Anxiety” isn’t one thing — it’s a spectrum of neurobiological states with different mechanisms.
The three main anxiety systems:
1. HPA Axis (Stress Response) Your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis controls cortisol release. In chronically anxious people, the HPA axis is dysregulated — it fires too easily, stays activated too long, and takes longer to return to baseline. Chronic HPA activation leads to elevated cortisol, disrupted sleep, impaired memory, and heightened amygdala reactivity.
Supplements that target the HPA axis: ashwagandha, magnesium, rhodiola
2. GABA System (Inhibitory Neurotransmission) GABA is your brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter — it’s the neurological “brake.” Anxiety disorders are associated with reduced GABAergic tone in limbic areas. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA-A receptor activity (which is also why they’re addictive).
Supplements that target GABA pathways: lavender (Silexan), passionflower, kava, lemon balm
3. Serotonin System (Mood Regulation) Serotonin doesn’t simply “cause happiness” — it plays a complex regulatory role in emotional processing, particularly in the prefrontal cortex’s ability to modulate amygdala reactivity. Low serotonergic tone is associated with increased threat sensitivity and rumination.
Supplements that influence serotonin pathways: saffron, L-theanine, 5-HTP
Understanding these mechanisms matters because it tells you which supplements might complement each other — and which combinations to avoid for safety reasons.
Foundation First: Supplements Are Fourth-Line
I want to say this clearly before ranking anything: supplements are the fourth-best intervention for anxiety, not the first.
The clinical evidence is unambiguous about the hierarchy:
1st — Sleep (non-negotiable) Sleep deprivation is anxiogenic — it directly amplifies amygdala reactivity and reduces prefrontal inhibitory control. You cannot out-supplement sleep deprivation. If you’re sleeping 5-6 hours, no supplement stack is going to fix your anxiety. Full stop.
2nd — Exercise Aerobic exercise is one of the most robust anxiety interventions in the literature. A 2018 meta-analysis of 49 studies found that exercise significantly outperformed placebo and was comparable to pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. The mechanism involves reduced amygdala reactivity, increased GABA synthesis, BDNF upregulation, and HPA axis normalization. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio, 3-5x/week is the evidence-based target.
3rd — Behavioral Interventions CBT, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and breathing practices have strong RCT evidence for anxiety disorders. The physiological sigh — two inhales through the nose followed by a long exhale — activates the parasympathetic nervous system in real time. These interventions create structural brain changes; supplements do not.
4th — Supplements Now we’re in supplement territory. And here, the evidence is clear on a few compounds but thin on most.
If you’re sleeping 7-9 hours, exercising regularly, and managing stress behaviorally, targeted supplementation can provide meaningful additional benefit. If you’re not doing those things, supplements are expensive and largely ineffective noise.
The Evidence Tier System
I classify anxiety supplements into four tiers:
| Tier | Criteria | |—|—| | Tier 1 | Multiple RCTs with consistent results, clear mechanism, clinically meaningful effect sizes | | Tier 2 | Positive RCT evidence but limited studies, smaller effect sizes, or methodological concerns | | Tier 3 | Preliminary or mixed evidence — may work but data is insufficient to recommend broadly | | Avoid | No credible human evidence OR risks outweigh potential benefits |
Tier 1: Strong Evidence
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Evidence rating: ★★★★☆ Best for: Chronic stress-driven anxiety, HPA axis dysregulation
Ashwagandha is the most well-studied adaptogen for anxiety. The clinical evidence is genuinely impressive — multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs with consistent results.
Key studies:
Chandrasekhar et al. (2012), Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine A double-blind RCT with 64 adults with chronic stress. The ashwagandha group (300mg KSM-66 extract, twice daily) showed:
- 44% reduction in anxiety scores vs 5.5% in placebo (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale)
- 27.9% reduction in serum cortisol (vs 7.9% in placebo)
- Significant improvements in sleep quality
Pratte et al. (2014), Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association Meta-analysis and systematic review of ashwagandha for anxiety and stress. Concluded that ashwagandha supplementation was associated with significantly greater anxiety and stress reduction compared to placebo across studies.
Langade et al. (2019), Cureus 60 adults with chronic stress, KSM-66 300mg twice daily. Cortisol reduced by 27.9%. PSQI sleep scores improved significantly. Standardized stress questionnaires showed significant improvement.
Gopukumar et al. (2021), Neurology and Therapy Adults with cognitive dysfunction under chronic stress. KSM-66 300mg twice daily for 8 weeks. Cognitive performance, anxiety, and cortisol all improved significantly vs placebo.
Mechanism: Ashwagandha’s active compounds (withanolides, withaferin A) appear to modulate the HPA axis, reduce cortisol production, and enhance GABAergic activity via GABA-A receptor modulation. It’s also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which matters because neuroinflammation drives anxiety.
Dose:
- KSM-66 extract: 300–600mg/day (most studies use 300mg twice daily)
- Sensoril extract: 125–250mg/day (more concentrated, different withanolide profile)
- Standardized to ≥5% withanolides
- Takes 6–8 weeks for full effect — don’t expect overnight results
Form matters: KSM-66 and Sensoril are the standardized extracts used in clinical trials. Generic “ashwagandha root powder” is not equivalent.
Timing: With food (reduces GI discomfort). Split dosing (morning and evening) matches most trial protocols.
Safety: Generally well-tolerated. Most common side effects are GI upset and drowsiness. Rare reports of liver damage with very high doses — stick to research-validated doses. Avoid during pregnancy (oxytocic properties). May interact with thyroid medication (increases T3/T4 levels — monitor if on thyroid medication).
2. Lavender Oil (Silexan, 80mg)
Evidence rating: ★★★★☆ Best for: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), anxious rumination, sleep-onset anxiety
Silexan is a specific preparation of oral lavender oil developed in Germany, and it has some of the most rigorous clinical trial data of any supplement for anxiety — including head-to-head comparisons with pharmaceutical drugs.
Key studies:
Kasper et al. (2010), Phytomedicine Double-blind RCT, Silexan 80mg vs lorazepam 0.5mg vs placebo in 77 adults with generalized anxiety. Silexan was as effective as lorazepam on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Crucially, Silexan had no sedation and no withdrawal effects — properties lorazepam lacks.
Kasper et al. (2014), International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 539 patients with GAD (the largest RCT on this supplement). Silexan 80mg vs paroxetine vs placebo over 10 weeks. Silexan significantly reduced anxiety vs placebo, with no serious adverse effects.
Kasper et al. (2015), Phytomedicine Long-term follow-up study (10–14 weeks). Confirmed efficacy and safety maintenance without tolerance development.
Mechanism: Silexan inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels in neurons (similar to some anxiety medications). This reduces neuronal excitability in limbic circuits without binding to GABA-A receptors directly — meaning no sedation, no tolerance, no withdrawal. The key active compounds are linalool and linalyl acetate.
Critical note: This evidence applies specifically to Silexan — the orally administered, standardized lavender oil capsule. Aromatherapy lavender has different (weaker) evidence. You cannot approximate Silexan by diffusing lavender essential oil or taking random lavender capsules.
Dose: 80mg Silexan capsule, once daily Brand: Kalms Lavender (UK), Lavela WS 1265 (EU/US) — must be the Silexan formulation
Safety: Excellent safety profile. Most common side effect is mild burping with lavender odor. No known drug interactions at standard doses. Not recommended in children.
3. L-Theanine
Evidence rating: ★★★☆☆ Best for: Acute anxiety, performance anxiety, caffeine-related jitteriness
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. It’s one of the best-studied calming compounds and has a unique mechanism: it promotes “relaxed alertness” — reduced anxiety without sedation.
Key studies:
Kimura et al. (2007), Biological Psychology Randomized crossover trial, 200mg L-theanine vs placebo under laboratory stress. L-theanine significantly reduced subjective anxiety and attenuated the cortisol response to a psychosocial stressor.
Ritsner et al. (2011), Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 400mg L-theanine supplementation in schizophrenia patients. Significant reduction in anxiety subscores — notable because this is a difficult-to-treat population.
Hidese et al. (2019), Nutrients 30 healthy adults, 200mg L-theanine for 4 weeks. Significant improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function vs placebo.
White et al. (2016), Nutrients Meta-analysis of L-theanine for mental health. Concluded that L-theanine may have a role in reducing anxiety and improving attention in dose-dependent fashion.
Mechanism: L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity — the same wave state associated with relaxed focus (present during meditation). It also influences serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels. Combined with caffeine, it blunts the jitteriness and anxiety that caffeine can cause while preserving the alertness — this combination is the most evidence-backed nootropic stack.
Dose:
- Acute anxiety: 100–200mg as needed
- Daily use: 200–400mg/day
- With caffeine: 1:2 ratio (100mg caffeine : 200mg L-theanine is standard)
Safety: Excellent. No known serious adverse effects or drug interactions at standard doses. Very safe for daily use.
Limitation: The evidence is strong for acute anxiety reduction but weaker for chronic anxiety disorders compared to ashwagandha or Silexan. Think of L-theanine as a daily buffer rather than a targeted treatment for anxiety disorder.
Tier 2: Moderate Evidence
4. Magnesium
Evidence rating: ★★★☆☆ Best for: Anxiety related to deficiency (which is more common than you think)
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including NMDA receptor regulation — one of the primary glutamate receptors implicated in anxiety and fear conditioning. Crucially, an estimated 45-68% of Americans are magnesium deficient based on dietary intake data.
Key evidence:
Boyle et al. (2017), Nutrients Systematic review of 18 studies. Found consistent associations between magnesium deficiency and anxiety, and promising (though methodologically limited) evidence that supplementation reduces anxiety symptoms, particularly in people with low baseline magnesium.
Rajizadeh et al. (2017), Psychiatry Research 126 hospitalized adults with depression and anxiety. Magnesium supplementation significantly reduced anxiety scores.
Tarleton et al. (2017), PLOS ONE Adult Americans with mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety. Magnesium chloride (248mg elemental magnesium daily) for 6 weeks significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores. Effect appeared within 2 weeks.
Important nuance: Magnesium’s anxiolytic effects appear strongest in people who are deficient. If you’re already replete, the benefit is less clear. Given the prevalence of deficiency, it’s worth a trial — but don’t expect dramatic results if your levels are already fine.
Form matters for bioavailability. See our complete magnesium comparison guide for a full breakdown, but for anxiety: magnesium glycinate and magnesium taurate are preferred (high bioavailability, less GI upset, calming cofactors). Magnesium oxide has poor bioavailability and is mostly a waste.
Dose: 200–400mg elemental magnesium daily, in the glycinate or taurate form Timing: Evening (the calming effect is useful before bed; also reduces the sleep-disrupting effects of stress)
5. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Evidence rating: ★★☆☆☆ Best for: Generalized anxiety, pre-procedural anxiety
Passionflower is genuinely interesting — it has a plausible mechanism (GABA-A modulation via flavonoids, specifically chrysin) and some legitimate RCT evidence. It’s just limited.
Key studies:
Akhondzadeh et al. (2001), Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Double-blind RCT: passionflower extract vs oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) for GAD over 4 weeks. Passionflower was as effective as oxazepam on the Hamilton Anxiety scale, with less impairment of job performance.
Movafegh et al. (2008), Anesthesia & Analgesia Pre-operative passionflower 500mg significantly reduced anxiety scores vs placebo in surgical patients without sedation.
Limitation: These are small studies. The oxazepam comparison is provocative but needs replication. The evidence base is thin compared to ashwagandha or Silexan.
Dose: 250–500mg standardized extract, once or twice daily Safety: Generally safe. Mild sedation at higher doses. Avoid during pregnancy.
6. Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Evidence rating: ★★★☆☆ (anxiety component) Best for: Anxiety with comorbid depression, emotional eating, mood instability
Saffron’s evidence base is strongest for depression (see our full saffron review), but several studies show meaningful anxiolytic effects as well. The mechanism — serotonin reuptake inhibition and MAO inhibition — makes this pharmacologically plausible.
Key anxiety-specific evidence:
A 2016 meta-analysis in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found saffron supplementation significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores across 12 RCTs. Multiple studies used 30mg/day (15mg twice daily) of standardized saffron extract.
Dose: 30mg/day (15mg twice daily) of standardized extract Best combined with: L-theanine for acute anxiety on top of the chronic mood support
Important safety note: Saffron at high doses is a uterotonic — avoid during pregnancy. Also has mild MAO inhibitory activity, which creates potential drug interactions with SSRIs, MAOIs, and other serotonergic compounds.
Tier 3: Preliminary or Conditional Evidence
7. Kava (Piper methysticum)
Evidence rating: ★★★★☆ for efficacy / ⚠️ for safety Conditional: Only mention because evidence is strong — safety concerns are serious
Kava’s clinical trial evidence for anxiety is actually excellent. A 2011 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology reviewed 12 trials and found kava significantly superior to placebo for GAD with a clinically meaningful effect size. A 2004 Cochrane review reached similar conclusions.
However: There have been approximately 100 reported cases of serious hepatotoxicity (liver damage) associated with kava use, including liver failure requiring transplant. These cases appear concentrated in:
- Noble-cultivar kava preparations vs. “two-day” or stem preparations
- Excessive doses
- Co-administration with alcohol or hepatotoxic medications
- Rare genetic vulnerability to kavalactone metabolism
Many countries (including Germany, Canada, and the UK at various points) have restricted or banned kava due to these concerns. The US FDA has issued warnings.
My position: The liver risk is real. If you’re considering kava, use only traditional aqueous noble-cultivar preparations, avoid alcohol entirely, do not take it daily, get baseline liver function tests, and avoid if taking any hepatotoxic medications. This is not a beginner supplement.
8. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
Evidence rating: ★★☆☆☆
5-HTP is a direct serotonin precursor. Some studies show benefit for anxiety, particularly anxiety with comorbid depression. However, the evidence is modest and the safety concerns are real.
Concern 1: Serotonin syndrome risk when combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, or other serotonergic compounds. This is not theoretical — cases have been reported.
Concern 2: Long-term 5-HTP use without co-supplementing dopamine precursors (L-tyrosine) may deplete dopamine, catecholamines, and other monoamines over time (the “monoamine depletion” concern in neurotransmitter repletion therapy literature).
Dose if used: 50–100mg, 30 minutes before bed Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or triptans without medical supervision
What to Avoid
“Stress Support” Blends and Proprietary Formulas
These products contain 10-15 ingredients in undisclosed “proprietary blend” doses that may be below any effective threshold. They’re designed to look impressive on a label, not to deliver a clinical effect. If you can’t see the exact dose of each ingredient, skip it.
GABA Supplements
Oral GABA supplementation has a significant problem: GABA molecules have poor blood-brain barrier penetration. Most of the GABA you swallow does not reach your brain in meaningful quantities. Studies on exogenous GABA supplementation generally show minimal neurological effects. It may have mild peripheral effects but it is not a meaningful anxiolytic. Do not confuse GABA supplements with substances that enhance GABA signaling (benzodiazepines, lavender/Silexan, passionflower) — those work through receptor modulation, not GABA concentration.
Valerian Root
Valerian has decent evidence for sleep onset (see our sleep supplements guide), but evidence for anxiety specifically is poor. Multiple meta-analyses have been equivocal. The inconsistent results are likely due to highly variable chemical composition across products.
CBD for Anxiety
The evidence on CBD for anxiety is genuinely mixed. Preclinical data is promising. Some human studies show benefit, particularly at 300–600mg doses (most commercial products contain 10-30mg). At the doses used in positive trials, CBD is expensive ($150-300/month). Product quality is highly variable — third-party testing is essential. Regulatory status makes standardization difficult. Some people find benefit; the research doesn’t yet justify a strong recommendation.
Melatonin for Anxiety
Melatonin is a sleep hormone, not an anxiolytic. It regulates circadian rhythm. There is no credible mechanistic reason it should reduce anxiety directly, and no meaningful clinical trial evidence supports this use. If your anxiety is worsened by poor sleep, fixing sleep (including melatonin for circadian disruption) will indirectly help — but melatonin is not an anxiety treatment.
Critical Drug Interactions
DO NOT combine these supplements with medications without medical supervision:
| Supplement | Interaction Risk | Mechanism | |—|—|—| | Ashwagandha | Thyroid medications | Increases T3/T4 levels | | Ashwagandha | Immunosuppressants | Immune-stimulating effects | | Saffron | SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs | Serotonin syndrome risk | | 5-HTP | SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans | Serotonin syndrome risk | | Kava | Alcohol, hepatotoxic medications, CNS depressants | Liver toxicity, CNS depression | | L-theanine | Blood pressure medications | Additive hypotensive effects | | Passionflower | Benzodiazepines, CNS depressants | Additive sedation |
If you are on psychiatric medication of any kind — including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, or mood stabilizers — consult your prescribing physician before adding any supplement in this list.
Evidence-Based Anxiety Protocols
Protocol A: Chronic Stress & HPA Dysregulation (~$35-50/month)
Best for: Ongoing life stress, elevated cortisol, fatigue + anxiety combo
| Supplement | Dose | Timing | |—|—|—| | Ashwagandha KSM-66 | 300mg | Morning, with food | | Ashwagandha KSM-66 | 300mg | Evening, with food | | Magnesium glycinate | 200-400mg elemental | Evening, 1-2 hours before bed |
Timeline: Allow 6-8 weeks before evaluating. Cortisol normalization takes time.
Protocol B: GAD / Anxious Rumination (~$40-60/month)
Best for: Generalized worry, rumination loops, difficulty calming down
| Supplement | Dose | Timing | |—|—|—| | Silexan (Lavela WS 1265) | 80mg | Once daily, with food | | Magnesium glycinate | 200mg elemental | Evening | | L-theanine | 200mg | As needed for acute spikes |
Note: Silexan takes 2-4 weeks to reach steady state. L-theanine can be used in the meantime for acute relief.
Protocol C: Performance / Social Anxiety (~$15-20/month)
Best for: Acute situational anxiety, presentations, social events, exams
| Supplement | Dose | Timing | |—|—|—| | L-theanine | 200mg | 30-60 minutes before event | | Magnesium glycinate | 200mg elemental | Evening, daily |
Note: This is the lowest cost, lowest commitment option. L-theanine’s acute effects are well-documented for performance anxiety.
Protocol D: Comprehensive Anxiety + Mood Stack (~$55-75/month)
Best for: Anxiety with mood instability, low mood + anxiety, seasonal patterns
| Supplement | Dose | Timing | |—|—|—| | Ashwagandha KSM-66 | 300mg | Morning | | Saffron extract (30mg) | 15mg | Morning | | Saffron extract (30mg) | 15mg | Evening | | Magnesium glycinate | 200mg elemental | Evening | | L-theanine | 200mg | As needed |
Important: If you’re on any antidepressant, saffron’s serotonergic activity requires medical consultation before adding.
The Bottom Line: What Actually Works
Here’s the honest summary:
Worth trying, good evidence:
- Ashwagandha KSM-66/Sensoril — Best overall for chronic stress-driven anxiety. Multiple solid RCTs. Allow 6-8 weeks.
- Silexan (oral lavender oil) — Best for GAD and rumination. Comparable to a benzodiazepine in one head-to-head trial, without the addiction risk.
- L-theanine — Best for acute anxiety, daily buffer, or caffeine modulation. Fast-acting, safe, cheap.
Useful with appropriate expectations:
- Magnesium — Most valuable if you’re deficient (likely). Meaningful but modest anxiety benefit.
- Saffron — Strong for anxiety + depression combo. More data for depression specifically.
- Passionflower — Some evidence, limited data. Reasonable to try.
Avoid unless very specific circumstances:
- Kava — Strong evidence, real liver risk. Not a first-line option.
- 5-HTP — Use only if not on serotonergic medications and only short-term.
- GABA supplements — Poor CNS penetration, limited brain effect.
- “Stress support” blends — Marketing over substance.
- Valerian — Weak evidence for anxiety.
The most important thing: No supplement stack competes with 7-9 hours of sleep, 30 minutes of exercise three times per week, and a breathing practice. Address those first. Add supplements second.
References
- Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34(3):255-262.
- Pratte MA, Nanavati KB, Young V, Morley CP. An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). J Am Nutr Assoc. 2014;13(6):452-458.
- Langade D, Kanchi S, Salve J, et al. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract in insomnia and anxiety: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Cureus. 2019;11(9):e5797.
- Gopukumar K, Bhaumik S, Maher T, et al. Efficacy and safety evaluation of Ashwagandha root extract in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. Neurol Ther. 2021;10(2):1017-1035.
- Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, et al. Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of ‘mixed anxiety and depression.’ Phytomedicine. 2010;17(2):94-99.
- Kasper S, Anghelescu I, Szegedi A, et al. Efficacy of orally administered Silexan in patients with anxiety-related restlessness and disturbed sleep — A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014;17(11):1765-1775.
- Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45.
- Hidese S, Ogawa S, Ota M, et al. Effects of L-theanine administration on stress-related symptoms and cognitive functions in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2362.
- White DJ, de Klerk S, Woods W, et al. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(1):53.
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- Rajizadeh A, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Yassini-Ardakani M, Dehghani A. Effect of magnesium supplementation on depression status in depressed patients with magnesium deficiency: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Psychiatry Res. 2017;252:282-287.
- Tarleton EK, Littenberg B, MacLean CD, et al. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(6):e0180067.
- Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2001;26(5):363-367.
- Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD003383.
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- Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014;29(6):517-527.
- Miroddi M, Calapai G, Navarra M, et al. Passiflora incarnata L.: Ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;150(3):791-804.
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- Anxiolytic drug treatments and natural alternatives: Evidence and mechanisms. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2020;207:107476.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Do not discontinue prescribed medications in favor of supplements without medical supervision.
Last updated: March 2026