Efficacy of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum in treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder

Traditionally, the dried flower of Echium amoenum (Boraginaceae) has been used in Iran as an anxiolytic and mood enhancer. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of an aqueous extract of E. amoenum in treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry 2009-11, Vol.33 (8), p.1513-1516
Main Authors: Sayyah, Mehdi, Boostani, Hatam, Pakseresht, Siroos, Malaieri, Alireza
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders. Neuroses
Biological and medical sciences
Boraginaceae
Clinical trial
Double-Blind Method
Echium
Echium - chemistry
Echium amoenum
Female
Humans
Male
Maximum Tolerated Dose
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Neuropharmacology
Obsessive and compulsive disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - drug therapy
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Outpatients
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Phytotherapy - methods
Plant Preparations - therapeutic use
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Retrospective Studies
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Traditionally, the dried flower of Echium amoenum (Boraginaceae) has been used in Iran as an anxiolytic and mood enhancer. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of an aqueous extract of E. amoenum in treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to receive either E. amoenum aqueous extract (500 mg/day) or placebo in a 6-week, double blind, parallel-group trial. Patients were assessed before the study and during weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6 by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive (Y-BOCS), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), and a score sheet on adverse effects. In weeks 4 and 6, the extract showed a significant superiority over placebo in reducing obsessive and compulsive and anxiety symptoms. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of adverse effects. The results suggest that E. amoenum aqueous extract has some anti obsessive and compulsive effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
ISSN:0278-5846
1878-4216
DOI:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.08.021