Sceletium tortuosum effects on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Sceletium tortuosum is a South African succulent associated with traditional medicine. Despite this, its effect on anxiety treatment is not consolidated. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the compound reduces anxiety symptoms. Objective: This study will evaluate how Sceletium tortuosum affects anxiety symptoms compared to placebo in adult patients by analyzing randomized clinical trials. Methods: We performed comprehensive literature searches using Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. The assessed outcome was Anxiety. Statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. Results: In our analysis, we included four studies; one randomized clinical trial and three randomized cross-over trials, comprising a total of 117 patients, in which Sceletium tortuosum was the treatment strategy in 29 (49,15%) patients in RCT and in 51 individuals among cross-over trials. Anxiety (RR 1.01; 95% Cl 0.56–1.83; p = 0.98; I2 = 0%) had no clinical difference between intervention or control group. Conclusion: At the end of the study, it was not possible to guarantee Sceletium tortuosum affects anxiety.

Keywords

• Sceletium tortuosum
• Anxiety