Efficacy of Nepeta Menthoides Boiss and Buhse Freeze-Dried Aqueous Extract on Anxiety of Patients with Depression: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of Nepeta menthoides freeze-dried aqueous extract were assessed on the anxiety of patients suffering from depression. METHOD Patients received either N. menthoides formulation (400 mg/BID) or Sertraline (50 mg/BID) for 4 weeks. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scales were used to assess the anxiety in two-week intervals (2(nd), 4(th), and 6(th) weeks). Folin-Ciocalteu and Dowd methods were used to determine the formulation of total phenol and flavonoid contents. RESULTS Compared with Sertraline, N. menthoides showed a higher reduction in BAI scores in the 2(nd) (16.52±8.07 vs. 21.38±10.98, P<0.05) and 4(th) week (11.55±6.74 vs. 20.47±11.53, P<0.05) along with a reduction in the recurrence rate and side effects. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents revealed in the presence of 127.09±0.43 mg GAE/g and 16.93±0.09 mg Q/g of extract. CONCLUSION N. menthoides could be effective in the control and introducing a delay in recurrence of anxiety in patients with depression.