Gastrodin is a bioactive compound derived from Gastrodia elata, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. While historically Gastrodia elata has been used for neurological and mental health conditions, scientific studies in recent years have begun to explore the potential of gastrodin for stress and related disorders. Preclinical studies (mostly in animal models) have demonstrated that gastrodin may exert anxiolytic and anti-stress effects, possibly by modulating neurotransmitter systems such as GABAergic and serotonergic pathways, and by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain.

For example, several rodent studies have shown that gastrodin administration can reduce anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic stress, and may regulate stress hormone (corticosterone) levels. Additionally, gastrodin has shown neuroprotective effects in models of chronic stress and has been reported to improve cognitive function under stress conditions.

However, robust clinical evidence in humans is still limited. Most data are preclinical, with a few small clinical studies suggesting potential benefits for mood and cognitive symptoms, but not specifically targeting stress as a primary endpoint. Therefore, while there is emerging scientific rationale for gastrodin’s use for stress, the level of evidence is still preliminary and more high-quality human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this specific indication.