A pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of CannaRelief Stress Management Oil in Managing Anxiety and Sleep Disorders: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Introduction: Stress and anxiety disorders have become significant global health concerns, impacting emotional wellbeing, cognitive function, and physiological stability. Conventional treatments, including SSRIs and benzodiazepines, often carry risks of dependency and adverse effects, necessitating the exploration of safer alternatives. Ayurveda attributes anxiety to an imbalance in Vata dosha, particularly Vyana and Prana Vayu, leading to disrupted physiological and mental stability. CannaRelief Stress Management Oil, a hemp-derived Ayurvedic formulation, has been studied for its potential anxiolytic effects through its interaction with neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin and GABA. Method: This open-labeled, single-arm, single-center, uncontrolled pilot study evaluated the efficacy and safety of CannaRelief Oil in individuals with mild to moderate anxiety over a 60-day intervention period. Forty patients diagnosed with stress-related anxiety disorders were administered 4 drops of the oil sublingually once daily. Efficacy was assessed through subjective (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index) and objective (salivary cortisol and amylase levels) parameters. Results: Results demonstrated significant improvements in sleep quality, with the number of participants experiencing poor sleep quality reducing from 40 to 17, and 23 individuals achieving good sleep scores. The Insomnia Severity Index showed a notable reduction in severity levels, with no participants remaining in the severe insomnia category posttreatment. Salivary amylase levels significantly decreased (p=0.0103), suggesting a potential reduction in autonomic stress response, while salivary cortisol changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: CannaRelief Oil exhibited promising anxiolytic and sleep-enhancing effects, likely mediated through its influence on neurotransmitter and autonomic pathways. While the findings indicate its potential as a natural intervention for stress-related anxiety and sleep disturbances, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and physiological mechanisms