MEDICINAL PLANTS AND HERBAL MEDICINES IN HEALTH PROMOTION IN ANXIETY DISORDER: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent disease due to stress and contemporary demands. Thus, there is wide use of anxiolytics with adverse effects. The study’s objective was to analyze the medicinal plants and phytotherapy contained in documents from the Ministry of Health and can be indicated by professionals in the Unified Health System (SUS) for the complementary treatment of GAD. This bibliographic review was prepared mainly by the documents of the Ministry of Health (MS), the Phytotherapic Memento (MFFB), the Form of Medicinal Plants and Phytotherapics, and the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS). Also, additional research was carried out on books and scientific articles to complement the information. It was found that SUS encourages the use of six plants for the treatment of GAD, Hypericum perforatum L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L, Passiflora incarnata L., Piper methysticum G. Forst., and Valeriana officinalis  L. In this context, the indications, chemical composition, clinical evidence, adverse effects, contraindications, and drug interactions were highlighted on these plants. Despite the benefits of expanding options for GAD treatment, there are adverse effects and drug interactions. Thus, it is recommended the indication/ prescription, guidance, and monitoring of patients in using this integrative and complementary therapy by trained professionals.