In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, the Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) is emphasizing the importance of scientific research, clinician education, and regulatory clarity regarding natural compounds that may support stress management, such as kava, ashwagandha, kanna, and other botanicals.
As chronic stress continues to affect millions of Americans—impacting mental health, immune function, and cardiovascular risk—interest in plant-based support has surged. However, the marketplace remains largely unregulated, leaving consumers vulnerable to misleading claims, adulterated products, and synthetic analogs posing as natural remedies.
According to the CDC approximately 14.7% of U.S. adults reported experiencing frequent mental distress, defined as 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days due to stress, depression, or emotional problems.
“Botanicals like kava and kanna show promising effects on GABAergic and serotonergic pathways both of which play a major role in mood regulation and anxiety—however, efficacy depends on responsible use, accurate labeling, and research,” said Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt, plant medicine specialist and medical advisor to SABER. “This Stress Awareness Month, SABER is advocating not only for natural solutions but also for the science and safety standards that must accompany them.”
SABER urges regulators and the scientific community to:
- Prioritize clinical trials and pharmacologic research into traditional and emerging botanicals.
- Promote continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare providers on safe, evidence-based use of botanicals.
- Support regulatory frameworks that distinguish between natural, well-characterized plant ingredients and synthetic or unapproved analogs.
Throughout Stress Awareness Month, SABER will continue to publish educational content for clinicians and consumers and amplify the voices of scientists and practitioners working at the intersection of plant medicine and public health.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.saberscience.org.
