Evidence supporting the use of: Inositol
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Inositol, particularly the myo-inositol isomer, has been investigated as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The scientific support for its use is modest but present. Several small randomized controlled trials from the late 1990s and early 2000s found that high-dose inositol (usually 12-18 grams per day) was more effective than placebo and in some cases comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in reducing symptoms of panic disorder and OCD. For example, a double-blind, controlled study by Benjamin Levine et al. (1995) showed that inositol significantly reduced the frequency and severity of panic attacks compared to placebo. Another study (Fux et al., 1996) observed beneficial effects in OCD symptoms. The proposed mechanism involves inositol's role as a precursor in the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway, which is implicated in neurotransmitter systems (such as serotonin and dopamine) thought to underlie anxiety and mood regulation. However, most of these studies are small, short-term, and not widely replicated, with limited data on long-term efficacy and safety. Major clinical guidelines do not currently endorse inositol as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, but some practitioners may use it as an adjunct or alternative, especially for patients who do not tolerate standard medications. In summary, while there is some scientific evidence supporting inositol for anxiety, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are limited, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

More about inositol
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Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

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Aconite
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amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
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Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
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brahmi
cannabidiol
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catnip
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chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
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cowslip
curcumin
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essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
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sceletium
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shen-chu
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velvet bean
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vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
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