Some supplements may help treat anxiety

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Some supplements may help treat anxiety

Published: Oct. 8, 2010 at 12:34 AM

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- A systematic review by U.S. researchers finds some

nutritional and herbal supplements can be effective to treat anxiety without

serious side effects.

Shaheen Lakhan and Vieira of the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation

-- a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that advocates for advancement of

neurological and mental health patient welfare, education and research -- says

the research indicates strong evidence that extracts of passionflower, or kava,

and combinations of L-lysine and L-arginine can help alleviate anxiety.

The researchers pooled the results of 24 studies involving more than 2,000

participants. Included in the review were 21 randomized-controlled trials, and

of these 15 showed positive effects from either a nutritional or herbal remedy.

Any reported side effects were mild to moderate, the researchers say.

" Our review and summary of the literature on herbal remedies and dietary

supplements for anxiety should aid mental health practitioners in advising their

patients and provide insight for future research in this field, " the researchers

say in a statement. " We found mixed results -- while passionflower or kava and

L-lysine and L-arginine appeared to be effective, St. 's Wort and magnesium

supplements were not. "

However, for the kava, L-lysine and L-arginine supplements, more research needs

to be done to establish the most effective dosage and to determine whether this

varies between different types of anxiety or anxiety-related disorders, the

researchers add.

The findings are published in the Nutrition Journal.

© 2010 United Press International, Inc. .