Title

PLANT BASED 'MOOD FOODS' - TARGETING ANXIETY.

Authors

Gould, E. M.; Parkar, S.; Crawford, K.; Forbes, D.; Skinner, M. A.; Scheepens, A.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression are becoming a serious burden on society in terms of psychosocial and financial costs. Throughout human history, man has self medicated with plant-based foods and herbs and this holistic and non-pharmaceutical approach is now regaining popularity in the treatment of mild to moderate mood fluctuations. This review summarizes the biology of mood and, in particular, some of the molecular mechanisms that can be realistically targeted by plant-based foods in order to enhance emotional wellbeing. It also highlights foods which have some anxiolytic or antidepressive properties and their mechanisms of action if known.

Subjects

DISEASE prevalence; ANXIETY; MENTAL depression; MOOD (Psychology); AFFECTIVE disorders; USEFUL plants; FUNCTIONAL foods

Publication

Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, 2008, Vol 6, Issue 1, p29

ISSN

1540-7535

Publication type

Academic Journal