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Lavender Oil Shows Promise in Treating Major Depression
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In Short: The trial assessed the effectiveness of Silexan using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), which evaluates nine symptoms of depression.
A new study published in Medscape reveals that Silexan, an oral lavender oil preparation, has shown significant effectiveness in treating core symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) after an 8-week trial involving nearly 500 patients.
The trial assessed the effectiveness of Silexan using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), which evaluates nine symptoms of depression. Silexan was found to be more effective than a placebo for five of these symptoms, including sadness, reduced appetite, concentration difficulties, and lassitude.
Investigators also conducted a preplanned exploratory analysis to understand which specific depressive symptoms were most impacted by Silexan. They observed the most pronounced improvements in symptoms central to MDD, such as depressed mood, anhedonia, and loss of energy.
According to the study's investigators, this analysis provides additional insight into how Silexan may affect specific symptoms of MDD, offering a clearer picture of its potential benefits.
The study also noted that Silexan produced broad antidepressant effects in patients with mild-to-moderate MDD, with a symptom profile similar to that of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline.
Previous research has shown that Silexan not only reduces anxiety symptoms but also improves co-morbid depression, highlighting its potential as a multi-faceted treatment option.
Researchers emphasized that MDD is highly heterogeneous, with patients presenting different constellations of symptoms. The current analysis aimed to determine whether the overall improvements seen with Silexan were consistent across individual depressive symptoms.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- Medscapelink