AnxioCalm ™: Echinacea for Anxiety
By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
A few years ago, a product came on the market under the name, “AnzEase”. It was described as a homeopathic preparation of Echinacea that was indicated for anxiety. Back then, our dad, Henry just couldn’t wrap his head around how Echinacea, an herb well-known for its use in boosting the immune system could help with anxiety.
Recently, the product was re-launched under the name “ANXIOCALM™”. This time around, the company has rebranded the item as a herbal product as the mechanism of action has been elucidated. First, it is important to note that the strain of Echinacea used is E. angustifoliae, whereas the strains used to boost the immune system are E. pallida and E. purpurea. Secondly, the dose matters and in this case, more is not better. In fact, each capsule contains only 20mg of E. angustifoliae as it was found that at higher doses, the effects on the nervous system were lost.
The most interesting finding is how alkamides, the active constituents of this herb work by affecting the areas of the brain that are involved in anxiety control. This is mainly through its effects on cannabinoid (CB1) receptors present in the brain (yes, this is the same reason why cannabis can help with anxiety). ANXIOCALM™ also acts to reduce the degradation of endogenous cannabinoid molecules, thus prolonging their anxiety-reducing effects in the brain. An important quality about how it works is how it can trigger calmness without affecting thinking, focus, or attention.
As noted above, only low doses of E. angustifoliae has anxiolytic effects; at higher doses, this product will work just like any other Echinacea-based product, i.e., it will stimulate the immune system. At a dose of one or two tablets a day, ANXIOCALM™ can temporarily reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety. In clinical studies, participants reported a reduction in anxiety after just one dose thus this product can be used for those who experience occasional bouts of anxiety. For those who deal with anxiety on a regular basis, it is suggested that a minimum of 16 days’ worth of usage is required to see more significant benefits. ANXIOCALM ™ can be effective to help those with occasional sleeplessness caused by stressful or anxiety-inducing situations.
There are no known drug interactions and the possible side effect of drowsiness may actually be desirable for some. If you have a suspected allergy to any member of the Asteraceae or Compositae family, you should avoid this product. As always, if you have any concerns, check with a healthcare practitioner before you give this a try.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
