The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in recent decades, patients experience high levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Since the calming effect of Melissa officinalis (MO) has been known, this study aimed to determine the effects of MO supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances in patients with chronic stable angina (CSA).

Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 patients with CSA were divided randomly into two groups (taking 3 g MO supplement or placebo daily for 8 weeks). The shortened 21-item version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) test and Pittsburgh sleep quality index were done before and after the intervention.

Results: At the end of the study, the intervention group receiving MO capsules had a significant reduction in scores of depression, anxiety, stress, and total sleep disturbance, compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The results showed that 8-week supplementation with 3 g MO can decrease depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with CSA.

Keywords: Anxiety; Chronic stable angina; Depression; Melissa officinalis; Stress.