Neuroanatomical Correlates and Clinical Phytotherapy: Modulation of Limbic Circuits in Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders represent one of the most prevalent challenges in contemporary mental health, characterized by a hyperactivation of fear circuits. Although conventional pharmacotherapy (benzodiazepines and SSRIs) is effective, it often entails significant adverse effects and a risk of dependence. This article explores the scientific evidence and the functional neuroanatomy underlying clinical phytotherapy as an adjunctive strategy. The pharmacodynamics of key species such as Piper methysticum, Passiflora incarnata, Lavandula angustifolia, and Crocus sativus are analyzed, highlighting their structural interaction with the amygdaloid complex, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex, as well as the modulation of GABAergic receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels. It is concluded that the integration of standardized extracts offers a neurobiologically viable therapeutic alternative under rigorous professional supervision.