Effect of oral capsule of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract on depression in menopausal women: A randomized clinical trial

Women experience many complications due to the physical and psychological changes of menopause. One of the most important of these complications is depression. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, the use of herbal remedies has been considered by women today. This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of oral capsule of ocimum basilicum leaf extract on depression in menopausal women.

This triple-blind two-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 menopausal women referred to Mashhad health centers in 2019-2020. Women eligible for the study received one 500 mg capsule of ocimum basilicum leaf extract or placebo for one month. Depression was assessed before and after the intervention with DASS21 tool. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 21) and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Before the intervention, the mean score of depression in the ocimum basilicum group was 8.8± 6.3 and in the placebo group was 8.6 ±6.3, which was not statistically significant and the two groups were homogeneous (P = 0.904). After the intervention, the mean score of depression in the ocimum basilicum group (5.9± 5.3) was significantly lower than the placebo group (9.2 ± 6.2) (P = 0.049). The difference in the score of depression after the intervention compared to before the intervention decreased by 2.8 ± 4.5 in the ocimum basilicum group and increased by 0.6 ± 2.4 in the placebo group and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.001).

Consumption of basil leaf extract capsules led to decrease in depression score in menopausal women. Therefore, it can be used as medicinal plant to reduce depression in menopausal women.