Table 4.
Neuroactive phytochemicals with stress- and anxiety-modulating properties.
| Phytochem-icals | Plant Source | Mechanism of Action | Molecular Targets | Neuroprotective/Anxiolytic Effects | Relevance to Anxiety and Stress | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apigenin | Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) | Enhances GABAergic transmission via benzodiazepine site | GABA-A receptor | Anxiolytic, promotes relaxation | Reduces anxiety without sedative side effects | [191,197] |
| Rosmarinic acid | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) | Suppresses NF-κB, modulates HPA axis hormones | NF-κB, CRH, ACTH | Reduces inflammation, stabilizes cortisol | Mitigates neuroinflammation and HPA axis overactivation | [193,194] |
| EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) | Green tea (Camellia sinensis) | Inhibits glucocorticoid receptor overactivation, activates antioxidant pathways | Nrf2/ARE, glucocorticoid receptor | Reduces oxidative stress, supports neurogenesis | Counters chronic stress and improves cognitive resilience | [195,196] |