Potencial de plantas utilizadas como fitoterápicos no tratamento da depressão e ansiedade

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are psychiatric disorders, characterized by emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms that can cause significant suffering and impairment in the quality of life of affected individuals. The use of medicinal plants as herbal medicines in the treatment of these psychological conditions has gained prominence. This review seeks to explore the potential of plants used as herbal medicines in the treatment of depression and anxiety, focusing on the species Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis . The results indicate that these plants contain a diversity of bioactive compounds that offer benefits not only for depression and anxiety, but also for other health conditions. Studies on Passiflora incarnata reveal that it has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sleep-inducing activities. On the other hand, Valeriana officinalis demonstrates anxiolytic and antioxidant activities, inhibits enzymatic activities in metabolic syndromes, improves gastrointestinal motility and has a positive effect on sleep disorders. The flavonoids present in Passiflora incarnata are involved in the modulation of the GABA receptor, while Valeriana officinalis contains valerenic acid, a compound with well-documented anxiolytic properties. Despite the promising potential of these medicinal plants, future clinical research with greater methodological rigor is necessary to validate and expand knowledge about the safe and effective use of these plants in the treatment of depression and anxiety.