Differential effects of clary sage ( Salvia sclarea L.) oil and linalyl acetate on depression levels in diabetic foot ulcer patients with T2DM: a randomized blinded controlled trial

• Published in: Frontiers in medicine 2025-01, Vol.12, p.1523441
• Main Authors: Son, Ji Won, Kang, Purum, Min, Sun Seek, Seol, Geun Hee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: clary sage; complementary and alternative medicine; depression; diabetic foot ulcer; linalyl acetate; Medicine
• ISSN: 2296-858X; 2296-858X
• DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1523441

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant global health concern due to its substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. In addition to its physical impact, DFU has emotional effects on patients. This study analyzed the effects of inhaling clary sage (CS; L.) or linalyl acetate (LA) on depression and psychological factors in patients with DFU. This study, performed at the Diabetic Wound Center, enrolled DFU patients, categorized as having mild or moderate to severe depression based on visual analog scale (VAS) for depression scores. Patients were randomized to inhalation of 5% CS oil, 5% LA or almond oil (control) by natural breathing. Blood pressure, heart rate, Depression-VAS, Anxiety-VAS, and Stress-VAS were measured before and after inhalation. This study enrolled 72 patients with DFU, including 43 with mild and 29 with moderate to severe depression. Of the 43 patients with mild depression, 14, 14, and 15 were randomized to inhalation of CS, LA, and almond oil, respectively. Of the 29 patients with moderate to severe depression, 9, 11, and 9 were randomized to inhalation of CS, LA, and almond oil, respectively. Compared with inhalation of almond oil, inhalation of CS oil significantly reduced stress (