THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are major mental health issues associated with significant impacts on quality of life and social, academic, and professional functioning, sparking growing interest in therapeutic alternatives, including herbal medicines. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the efficacy of herbal medicines in treating individuals with anxiety and depression. An integrative literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, involving searches in the SciELO, BVS, and PubMed databases. Studies published between 2021 and 2025, available in full text in Portuguese or English, were included; 15 articles were selected following the identification, screening, and inclusion stages. The results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of various plant species—specifically Passiflora incarnata, Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Crocus sativus, and Curcuma longa — in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is concluded that herbal medicines show potential as a complementary therapeutic resource; however, their use must be individualized, evidence-based, and supervised by qualified professionals, with pharmacists playing a key role in providing guidance, identifying interactions, monitoring adverse reactions, and promoting rational use.