Oxytocin is a natural hormone that assists childbirth and promotes bond between mothers and babies.

Now scientists have determined that oxytocin is effective in curing anxiety, social phobias, and could even be used to alleviate the effects of autism.

"Tests have shown that oxytocin reduces anxiety levels in users," said Professor Paul Zak, a neuroscientist based at California's Claremont Graduate University.

"It is a hormone that facilitates social contact between people."

"What's more, it is a very safe product that does not have any side effects and is not addictive."

Zak tested the hormone on hundreds of patients and found that it curbed the instincts of wariness and suspicion that lead to anxiety.

“We’ve seen that it makes you care about the other person," said Zak.

"It also increases your generosity towards that person."

"That’s why [the hormone] facilitates social interaction.”

Oxytocin could provide a lifeline to those caring for people with autism, a notoriously difficult condition to treat.

Researchers in New York found that oxytocin reduces the adverse effects of autism such as anxiety.

“Oxytocin does not cure autism, but it does reduce the symptoms,” Professor Zak said.

“So there is a reduction of anxiety in autistic patients, and the oxytocin can induce them to do things like make eye contact with other people and look at their faces -- something autistic people find hard to do.”