ABSTRACT
The World Health Organization has de†ned health as being “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or in†rmity.” Mental health may include cognitive and emotional well-being and an absence of a mental disorder. Now cognitive decline of aged people and extensive stress, anxiety, and depression have become a serious social problem in many countries and communities. It has been demonstrated that serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, dopamine D1 receptor, and γ-amino butyric acid type A (GABAa) receptor play important roles in anxiolytic activity (Short et al., 2006; Hirata et al., 2007; Leonardo and Hen, 2008; Jacob, Moss, and Jurd, 2008). Therefore, medicine targeting dopaminergic, GABAergic, and serotonergic pathways have been developed and used for treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, and neurological diseases. However, potential side effects increase interest in the use of dietary supplements and functional foods to manage normal stress and anxiety.
