The use of selected medicinal plants in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system through the neurotransmitter system during stress
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.94.72859Keywords
depression, herbal medicine, adaptogens, St. John’s wortAbstract
Stress is an inherent component of human life that cannot be entirely eliminated; however, effective coping strategies can mitigate its impact and improve problem-solving capabilities. Alongside pharmacotherapy, interventions such as psychotherapy, physical exercise, and herbal medicine are widely employed to support mental health. Herbal therapy utilizes plants with bioactive properties to complement conventional treatments, often providing benefits without the adverse effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. Herbal interventions should be used under professional supervision, as inappropriate combinations with conventional medications, incorrect dosages, or use in contraindicated conditions may lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful outcomes. Medicinal plants used in the management of depression can be categorized according to their effects: mood-enhancing (e.g., Hypericum perforatum, saffron), anxiolytic and calming, and sleep-promoting. Such interventions may also alleviate neurovegetative symptoms, including gastrointestinal disturbances, tachycardia, hot flashes, and panic attacks. When appropriately integrated with psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and structured physical activity, herbal remedies can significantly enhance both psychological and physiological functioning. Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) is among the most extensively studied herbs for depression, acting through modulation of neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonin, which influences mood, sleep, appetite, blood pressure, and body temperature. The aim of this study is to present the fundamental mechanisms of action of selected medicinal plants on the human body, with particular emphasis on their use in alleviating stress and associated disorders, including depression and sleep disturbances.
References
Ahlemeyer, B., & Krieglstein, J. (2003). Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 60(9), 1779–1792.
Aggarwal, B. B., & Harikumar, K. B. (2009). Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 41(1), 40–59.
Armanini, D., Karbowiak, I., Funder, J. W., & Krozowski, Z. (2002). Effect of licorice on the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Clinical Endocrinology, 57(6), 735–738.
Awad, R., Levac, D., Cybulska, P., Merali, Z., Trudeau, V. L., & Arnason, J. T. (2007). Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 85(9), 933–942.
Bhattacharya, D., Sur, T. K., Jana, U., Debnath, P. K., & Manna, S. (2008). Clinical evaluation of adaptogenic and antistress activity of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): An experimental and clinical study. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 40(3), 125–132.
Bhattacharya, S. K., Bhattacharya, A., Kumar, A., & Ghosal, S. (2000). Antioxidant activity of Bacopa monnieri in rat frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Phytotherapy Research, 14(3), 174–179.
Bruni, O., Ferini-Strambi, L., Giacomoni, E., & Pellegrino, P. (2021). Herbal remedies and their possible effect on the GABAergic system and sleep. Nutrients, 13(2), 530.
Butterweck, V. (2003). Mechanism of action of St John’s wort in depression: What is known? CNS Drugs, 17(8), 539–562.
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262.
Chen, S., Xie, Y., Liang, Z., Lu, Y., Wang, J., Xing, F., Mao, Y., Wei, X., Wang, Z., Yang, J., & Yuan, J. (2024). A narrative review of the reciprocal relationship between sleep deprivation and chronic pain: The role of oxidative stress. Journal of Pain Research, 17, 1785–1792.
Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Bose, S. (2012). Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha extract in stress-related disorders: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 32(5), 615–622.
Cowen, P. J., & Browning, M. (2015). What has serotonin to do with depression? World Psychiatry, 14(2), 158–160.
Dantzer, R., O’Connor, J. C., Freund, G. G., Johnson, R. W., & Kelley, K. W. (2008). From inflammation to sickness and depression: When the immune system subjugates the brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 46–56.
Dar, N. J., Singh, A., & Suleria, H. A. R. (2010). Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) modulates NMDA receptor signaling. Neurochemistry International, 57(7), 779–786.
Dobros, N. (2017). Zioła o działaniu uspokajającym i przeciwdepresyjnym. Postępy Fitoterapii, 18(3), 215–222.
Dunlop, B. W., & Nemeroff, C. B. (2007). The role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(3), 327–337.
European Medicines Agency. (2016). Assessment reports on herbal medicinal products. Retrieved May 3, 2026, fromhttps://www.ema.europa.eu
Gilani, A. H., Khan, A. U., Subhan, F., & Khan, M. (2005). Antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of St John’s wort are mediated through dual inhibition of calcium influx and phosphodiesterase. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology, 19, 695–705.
Golonka, K., Piątek, E., & Stach, R. (2024). Study directions and development of cognitive theory of depression. Psychiatria Polska, 58(4), 669–680.
Grabowski, W., Karoń, K., Karoń, Ł., Zygmunt, A., Drapała, G., Pedrycz, E., & Pedrycz, D. (2024). Unlocking better sleep and stress relief: The power of ashwagandha supplementation – A literature review. Quality in Sport, 26, 54904.
Hashimoto, K. (2014). The NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine in the treatment of depression. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 20(38), 5687–5692.
Hausenblas, H. A., Saha, D., Dubyak, P. J., & Anton, S. D. (2013). Saffron (Crocus sativus) and major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 11(6), 377–383.
Izzo, A. A., & Ernst, E. (2009). Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: An updated systematic review. Drugs, 69(13), 1777–1798.
Jeon, S. W., & Kim, Y. K. (2016). Neuroinflammation and cytokine abnormality in major depression: Cause or consequence? World Journal of Psychiatry, 6(3), 283–293.
Katzenschlager, R., et al. (2004). Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s disease: A double-blind clinical and pharmacological study. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 75(12), 1672–1677.
Kennedy, D. O., Scholey, A. B., & Wesnes, K. A. (2001). Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and combinations. Nutritional Neuroscience, 4(6), 399–412.
Khom, S., Baburin, I., Timin, E., Azimov, R., & Hering, S. (2007). Valerenic acid potentiates and inhibits GABA A receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology, 150(5), 633–640.
Kim, H. G., Cho, J. H., Yoo, S. R., Lee, J. S., Han, J. M., Lee, N. H., & Son, C. G. (2013). Antidepressant-like effects of Panax ginseng extract: Involvement of the HPA axis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 146(1), 213–219.
Klimuszko, A. C. (2020). Wróćmy do ziół leczniczych. Warszawa: Rytm.
Kongkeaw, C., et al. (2014). Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 151(1), 528–535.
Krishnan, V., & Nestler, E. J. (2008). The molecular neurobiology of depression. Nature, 455, 894–902.
Levites, Y., Amit, T., Mandel, S., & Youdim, M. B. H. (2002). Green tea polyphenol EGCG prevents NMDA-induced neurotoxicity. Journal of Neurochemistry, 80(3), 538–545.
Linde, K., Berner, M. M., & Kriston, L. (2008). St John’s wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD000448.
Lopresti, A. L., Drummond, P. D., Maes, M., Maker, G. L., & Hood, S. D. (2014). Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 167, 368–375.
Łuszczak, J., & Kocki, J. (2025). Clinical evidence for adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 1, 1–9.
Maes, M., Leonard, B. E., Myint, A. M., Kubera, M., & Verkerk, R. (2011). Oxidative and nitrosative stress in major depression. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 35(3), 676–692.
Merk, V. M. (2025). St. John’s wort for depression: From neurotransmitters to clinical relevance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(24), 11925.
Miller, A. H., & Raison, C. L. (2016). The role of inflammation in depression. Nature Reviews Immunology, 16(1), 22–34.
Możdżeń, K., Barabasz-Krasny, B., & Rzepka, A. (2021). Rośliny lecznicze w terapii stresu i depresji. Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu, 27(2), 182–192.
Ng, F., Berk, M., Dean, O., & Bush, A. I. (2008). Oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 11(6), 851–876.
Nobre, A. C., Rao, A., & Owen, G. N. (2008). L-theanine and mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17, 167–168.
O’Connor, J. C., et al. (2009). Role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in depression-like behavior. Journal of Neuroscience, 29(13), 4200–4209.
Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Adaptogens and stress-protective activity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188–224.
Park, S. K., Kim, K., Bae, H. N., & Lee, S. H. (2010). EGCG protects against neurotoxicity. Neuroscience Letters, 469(3), 139–143.
Petrovska, B. B. (2012). Historical review of medicinal plants’ usage. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 6(11), 1–5.
Pużyński, S. (2002). Depresje i zaburzenia afektywne. Warszawa: PZWL.
Ressler, K. J., & Nemeroff, C. B. (2000). Role of norepinephrine in mood disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 46(9), 1219–1233.
Rogowska, M., & Giermaziak, W. (2018). Interakcje roślin leczniczych z lekami syntetycznymi. Postępy Fitoterapii, 19(4), 274–282.
Salk, R. H., Hyde, J. S., & Abramson, L. Y. (2017). Gender differences in depression. Psychological Bulletin, 143(8), 783–822.
Sarris, J., Panossian, A., Schweitzer, I., Stough, C., & Scholey, A. (2011). Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 21(12), 841–860.
Singh, N., et al. (2003). Withania somnifera reduces stress-induced corticosterone. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 85(1), 93–96.
Singh, Y. N., & Singh, N. N. (2002). Therapeutic potential of kava. CNS Drugs, 16(11), 731–743.
Spinella, M. (2001). Psychopharmacology of herbal medicine. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(11), 1727–1739.
Stough, C., et al. (2001). Effects of Bacopa monnieri on cognition. Psychopharmacology, 156(4), 481–484.
Tiran, D. (2021). Herbal medicine use in pregnancy and lactation. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 42, 101293.
Wichtl, M. (2004). Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm.
Woelk, H., & Schläfke, S. (2010). Lavender oil vs lorazepam. Phytomedicine, 17(2), 94–99.
World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. Retrieved May 3, 2026, fromhttps://www.who.int
Yeom, J. W., & Cho, C. C. (2024). Herbal supplements for sleep. Psychiatry Investigation, 21(8), 810–821.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Maja Gałuszka, Adrianna Adamczyk, Aleksandra Gałuszka, Kamila Krycia, Renata Gałuszka, Milena Adamczyk, Maciej Szabelski, Grzegorz Gałuszka, Natalia Sulkowska, Iga Domańska
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The periodical offers access to content in the Open Access system under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 85
Number of citations: 0
