Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG113/4

Question

Is chamomile/ginkgo biloba more effective than placebo in increasing response and remission rates and decreasing anxiety ratings for people with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health disorder and the results of this study will be generalisable to a large number of people. There is evidence for the efficacy of chamomile and ginkgo biloba in reducing anxiety in people with GAD but the evidence base is small (one study). However, the scarce literature on the effectiveness of other herbal interventions for treating GAD points to chamomile and ginkgo biloba as two of the more effective herbal interventions. Moreover, both these herbal remedies are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, at present there is no scientific evidence of side effects or drug–herbal interactions in relation to chamomile or ginkgo biloba. As both these herbal interventions are readily available and have no known side effects, they could be used at an early stage as a means of preventing progression to drug treatments, which are associated with a number of undesirable side effects and dependency.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management

Number

CG113

Date issued

January 2011

Other details