Effect of Wuling capsule on patients with generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of Wuling capsule for the treatment of patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) admitted in Affiliated Hospital of Huanghe Science and Technology College, Zhengzhou, China  were treated with the Chinese traditional patent medicine, Wuling capsule. A self-control study was conducted before and after treatment.  Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Global Rating Scale (CGI-SI) were used to evaluate the symptoms of anxiety and  depression suffered by GAD patients before and after treatment. Inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ), superoxide dismutase (SOD), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamic acid (Glu) levels were assessed in the peripheral blood of patients using ELISA before and after treatment. Results: A total of 58 patients with GAD completed 8 weeks of fixed-dose Wuling capsule treatment. After treatment, total scores on the HAMA scale,  HAMD scale, and CGI scale significantly improved compared with baseline, and the differences before and after treatment were statistically significant (p  < 0.01). The levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ) in the peripheral blood of patients decreased significantly (p < 0.05). SOD and GABA/Glu  increased after treatment (p < 0.05). Nine patients (15.5 %) had mild reactions, but no patients withdrew from the study as result of adverse reactions.   Conclusion: The Chinese traditional patent medicine, Wuling capsule, is effective in the treatment of GAD patients with high safety. Future studies will  need to explore the specific biological pathways and physiological processes that are involved in the treatment of GAD using Wuling capsule.