Plants from Solanaceae family with possible anxiolytic effect reported on 19th century's Brazilian medical journal

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Abstract

In the beginning of the 19th century, the first Brazilian scientific knowledge journal on medicinal plants the Gazetas Médicas was launch reporting Brazilian medicinal plants belonging to several botanical families. The aim of this study was research the Solanaceae species that were described as anxiolytics in the 19th century's Brazilian Medical Gazettes and to make a revision about these species in literature. A taxonomic update, together a careful research about ethnopharmacological, pharmacological and phytochemical, patent process and reports of phytomedicines, was carried out for these Solanaceae species. In this research were found thirteen plants, but the taxonomic update reduced this number to six species. Among them, Physalis angulata L. and Solanum nigrum L. were studied and showed depressor activity on central nervous system (CNS) as described in Gazetas Médicas. This research showed that Solanaceae species reported in this study has potential as anxiolytic drugs and should be investigated more deeply.

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Phytochemical constituents of some Nigerian medicinal plants

H.O. Edeoga, D. E. Okwu, B.O. Mbaebie (2005)

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Limitations on the use of benzodiazepines in anxiety and insomnia: are they justified?

Malcolm Lader (1999)

The benzodiazepines are still extensively used in psychiatry, neurology and medicine in general. Anxiety disorder and severe insomnia are important syndromal indications, but these drugs are widely prescribed at the symptomatic level, resulting in potential overuse. The official data sheets recommend short durations of usage and conservative dosage. Although short-term efficacy is established, long-term efficacy remains controversial, as relevant data are scanty and relapse, rebound and dependence on withdrawal not clearly distinguished. The risks of the benzodiazepines are well-documented and comprise psychological and physical effects. Among the former are subjective sedation, paradoxical release of anxiety and/or hostility, psychomotor impairment, memory disruption, and risks of accidents. Physical effects include vertigo, dysarthria, ataxia with falls, especially in the elderly. Dependence can supervene on long-term use, occasionally with dose escalation. The benzodiazepines are now recognised as major drugs of abuse and addiction. Other drug and non-drug therapies are available and have a superior risk benefit ratio in long-term use. It is concluded that benzodiazepines should be reserved for short-term use--up to 4 weeks--and in conservative dosage.