Anxiofit-1 and reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety

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EFSA Panel on EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA)

Following an application from Anxiofit Ltd. and ExtractumPharma Co Ltd., submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Hungary, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Anxiofit-1 and reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety. The food, Anxiofit-1, Echinacea angustifolia root extract, standardised for the content of echinacoside (at least 3%) and the alkamide profile, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety is a beneficial physiological effect. Subthreshold and mild anxiety is a risk factor for anxiety and depressive disorders. One human intervention study with a small number of participants showed a decrease in anxiety scores under the conditions of use proposed by the applicant. Another small study, performed by the same research group with patients with diagnosed generalised anxiety disorder, also showed a decrease in anxiety in this population. However, the Panel notes that the results have not been replicated in other studies. The information supplied by the applicant did not provide evidence for a plausible mechanism by which Anxiofit-1 could exert the claimed effect. The Panel concludes that the scientific evidence is insufficient to establish a cause and effect relationship between the consumption of Anxiofit-1 and reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety.