Post traumatic stress disorder is a form of anxiety. The definition of the disorder is rather wide, but in general the sufferer exhibits a low mood as a direct result of being involved in a significantly stressful event in their past. The most well known form of post traumatic stress disorder is found in soldiers following battle, but any major stress can trigger the disorder. Drugs are often prescribed to treat post traumatic stress disorder, but their efficacy is questionable. There is therefore an interest in finding alternative ways of treating the condition. In animal models of post traumatic stress disorder, flavonoids have shown some promise as safe and effective treatment. For example, in one study the administration of a mixture of flavones extracted from herbs was significantly effective at reducing the fear responses of animals to repeated stress. The effectiveness of the flavones in this study may explain the effectiveness of certain herbs at treating a number of forms of anxiety, including post traumatic stress.
Flavonoids are known inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase enzyme system. By inhibiting monoamine oxidase, flavonoid may increase brain levels of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. In addition, flavonoids are known to be able to bind to the GABA receptor and in this way may have benzodiazepine-like effects which include sedation and mental calming. Flavonoids are also neuroprotective as they are able to act as potent antioxidants in certain parts of the brain, and this may counter the effects of stress. Good sources of flavonoids include red wine, tea, fruit, vegetables, chocolate and cocoa.
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