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Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and related conditions. Affects 1 in 6 people in the UK.
Compounds with published trial evidence for this condition, ranked by strength of evidence. Numbers come from the trial reports themselves — see each study via its PMID.
| Compound | Evidence strength | What trials suggest | Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | 2 systematic review/meta-analysis outcomes | Anxiety scores improved with SMD -1.55 vs placebo in 1,002 people.11/3 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 36017529 |
| L Theanine | 2 systematic review/meta-analysis outcomes | L-theanine at 200-400 mg/day may reduce stress and anxiety compared to control in people exposed to stressful conditions.12/3 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 31758301 |
| Cannabis THC | 1 systematic review/meta-analysis outcome | No significant association was found between cannabis use and anxiety risk compared with nonusers in 23 317 individuals.0/1 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 30758486 |
| Inositol | 1 systematic review/meta-analysis outcome | Inositol did not significantly improve anxiety or obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to placebo.0/1 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 24424706 |
| Bacopa Monnieri | 1 randomised trial outcome | Brahmi did not significantly improve cognitive performance compared to placebo.0/1 outcomes showed benefit | PMID 23354535 |
Audited published findings per compound. Dark green = benefit findings; full bar = all findings. Drill into a pair for the breakdown.
These compounds appear in related research or traditional use. Their position is not a recommendation or ranking.
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Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Anxiety · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 41197688 ↗02Performance-enhancing effects of caffeine and L-Theanine among Iranian elite wrestlers: a focus on cognitive and specific physical performanceRazazan R, et al. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 2025Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Anxiety · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40977612 ↗03Transdiagnostic reduction in cortical choline-containing compounds in anxiety disorders: a (1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy meta-analysisMaddock RJ, et al. · Molecular psychiatry · 2025Meta-Analysis · matched via Anxiety · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40913113 ↗04The impact of ingestion of Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 on perinatal anxiety and depressive symptoms: a randomized controlled trialFries LR, et al. · Scientific reports · 2025Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Anxiety · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40175540 ↗05Effect of caffeine and cannabidiol (CBD) co-administration on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) subjective effects, performance impairment, and pharmacokineticsStrickland JC, et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2025Randomized Controlled Trial · matched via Anxiety · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)
PMID 40962814 ↗Outcome summaries extracted from the linked papers' curated records. Educational, not medical advice.
Significantly reduced vs placebo (7 RCTs)
Adults with stress and anxiety · Systematic review · PMID 32630791 ↗Strong evidenceReduced02Stress-related anxiety symptoms — ReducedReduced anxiety scores (200mg daily, 4 weeks)
Adults with stress-related symptoms · Randomised controlled trial · PMID 32531951 ↗Moderate evidenceReduced03Subjective anxiety — ImprovedImproved with 300mg daily supplementation
Mildly anxious adults · Clinical study · PMID 29065490 ↗Insufficient evidenceImproved04Anxiety during simulated public speaking — ReducedSignificantly reduced with 300mg CBD vs placebo
Adults with social anxiety · Randomised controlled trial · PMID 22928017 ↗Moderate evidenceReducedFigures are reported as published; study designs and populations vary. Works for Us does not interpret results or provide medical advice.