The effect of Lavandula angustifolia in the treatment of mild to moderate depression

Medical plants have been used for centuries as a medicinal agent in treatment of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the lavendula officinalis on depression in patients using citalopram. This clinical trial study was performed in Hajar hospital Shahrekord Iran. In this study eighty patients randomly allocated into two groups (40 patients in each group). Patients who complained from depression were studied during a two-month double-blind study. In control group patients were given 20 mg citalopram twice daily plus placebo and case group were treated with 5g arial part of dried Lavendula officinalis and citaloperam (20 mg twice per day). After 4 and 8 weeks patients were followed for evaluations of their depression and complications. Depression severity was scored using standard Hamilton’s depression questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi square and Paired-t test. After 1 month treatment mean depression score in case and control groups were 15.2±3.6 and 17.5±3.5 respectively (P