Plants and their derivatives as potential source in treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other treatment strategies: A review

Abstract

Ke ywor ds Alcohol withdrawal syndrome Benzodiazepines Medicinal plants Thera peutic effect Abstract Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) is a set of symptoms that develops 24 to 48 h followed by quitting drinking after a prolonged period of heavy drinking. AWS is mild to severe depending upon the duration and quantity of alcohol intake. Up to 50% of patients who use alcohol experience withdrawal symptoms. The AWS is primarily mediated by GABA and glutamate receptors. Many plants and plant derivatives are used to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Though, benzodiazepines serve as the first-line drugs in treating AWS, on long-term usage they develop an addiction. This review consists of plants with potential therapeutic effects against AWS, published in the literature from 1999 to 2021. The review contains plant profiles include information about the botanical name, family, animals, methodology, model, the degree of protection, and the active agents against AWS. The literature review was undertaken by searching databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar for articles using relevant keywords. Fifteen plants and nine plant derivatives were selected based on their potency in treating AWS. Studies have confirmed the effects of these medicinal plants and plant derivatives on alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The effects of these plants may prevent, reduce or treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other symptoms associated with it.