MEDICINAL PLANTS AND PREPARATIONS AFFECTING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, scientific interest in herbal therapies has increased due to their potential efficacy and favorable safety profiles. This article reviews medicinal plants and herbal preparations that influence CNS function, including sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, cognitive-enhancing, and neuroprotective herbs. The mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and pharmaceutical forms of these plants are discussed. Special attention is given to safety considerations and the role of healthcare professionals in supporting appropriate use. Evidence suggests that herbal medicines can serve as valuable complementary or alternative therapies for mild to moderate CNS disorders when used responsibly and under professional supervision.