The powdered leaves of the herb Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke are often used to treat anxiety. The herb is regularly taken in a powdered form by tribes in southern Brazil. The herb is related to Lemon Verbena which is in the same genus and is also taken for its calming effects. Both herbs belong to the verbena family.
Componentry In Leaves
The main active is ecteoside, carvone and limonene
Clinical Trials For Treating Anxiety
A phase-2, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial has shown a significant reduction in Hamilton Anxiety Ranking scores after 4 and 8 weeks of taking capsules with powdered leaves of the herb or a placebo (Carmona et al., 2019). The study involved 54 patients with self-reported anxiety. The trial confirmed earlier preclinical work that administering the leaves in a supplement reduced symptoms of anxiety.
References
Carmona, F., Coneglian, F. S., Batista, P. A., Aragon, D. C., Angelucci, M. A., Martinez, E. Z., & Pereira, A. M. S. (2019). Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) powdered leaves are effective in treating anxiety symptoms: A phase-2, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 242, 112060 (Article).
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