PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL BASIS OF HIPPOPHAE SALICIFOLIA LEAVES IN ANXIETY DISORDERS: A REVIEW

Hippophae salicifolia D. Don, known as Himalayan Sea buckthorn, is a medicinal plant distributed in the Himalayan region. Based on available literature, this plant contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, triterpenoids, and antioxidant vitamins. Most research has been done on the fruit and seed oil. There is limited research published on the leaves and their pharmacological properties. The purpose of this review is to summarize the phytochemical and neuropharmacological activities of H. salicifolia leaves and evaluate their potential role in the management of anxiety disorders. The available literature systematically collected and reviewed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, experimental pharmacological evidence and possible mechanisms associated with the leaves of H. salicifolia. Studies on H. salicifolia leaves reported antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and adaptogenic effects. Some experimental reports also indicate that leaf extract may reduce changes in physiology related to chronic stress. As oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and HPA-axis disturbance are linked to anxiety disorders, the phytochemicals present in the leaves may be relevant for neuropharmacological research. However, direct evidence supporting anxiolytic activity remains limited. The available data shows that H. salicifolia leaves may have potential effects on the nervous system and could serve as a promising source of bioactive compound in anxiety disorder. Still, we need pre-clinical studies and human trials to prove if they really work for anxiety and to understand how they work.