Effects of Herbal combination (Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse) on insomnia severity, anxiety and depression in insomniacs: Randomized placebo controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundInsomnia is a prevalent disorder leading to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.MethodsThis study investigates the effect of a combination of herbs (Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse) on anxiety and depression for insomniacs and on insomnia severity. This study is a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total number of 67 participants met the inclusion criteria who were diagnosed as cases of insomnia. The patients were randomized into the herbal treatment or placebo groups. The herbal treatment group received a combination of Melissa officinalis and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse. The primary outcomes were insomnia, depression and anxiety. We used per-protocol analysis.ResultsThe all outcomes of herbal treatment were significantly improved compared with placebo in the ISI, BAI and BDI scores after four weeks’ treatment (p value: 0.008, 0.005 and <0.001 respectively).ConclusionA combination of Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse may improve insomnia and its comorbid depression and anxiety.

Synergistic effects of Nepeta menthoides and Melissa officinalis aqueous extracts on reserpine‐induced depressive‐like behaviors in mice

“…Our findings demonstrated synergistic interaction between the two plants and are in accordance with those of Fellah, Djenidi, and Chebout (2020) who suggested exerting synergistic antidepressant actions between two extracts by attenuating abnormalities in serotonergic and noradrenergic system functions. Ranjbar et al (2018) proved that a combination of 400 mg NM and 1,000 mg MO per day, after 4 weeks had a better effect on insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression caused by insomnia in clinical application. They used a single dose of each plant and neither provide preclinical results nor mention the mechanism of action of these two plants in the treatment of depression.…”

“…menthoides and M . officinalis improved the depression and anxiety in insomniacs; however, it is still not known whether the combination of aqueous extract of these two herbs is more effective in the treatment of depression compared to the effects of their extracts separately (Ranjbar et al, 2018). Dastmalchi et al (2008) reported that M .…”

“…In a few studies, the different doses of aqueous extracts of these medicinal plants have been investigated for the treatment of depression as a drug combination therapy (Memariani et al, 2019;Shakeri et al, 2016). Other investigators have shown that the combination of N. menthoides and M. officinalis improved the depression and anxiety in insomniacs; however, it is still not known whether the combination of aqueous extract of these two herbs is more effective in the treatment of depression compared to the effects of their extracts separately (Ranjbar et al, 2018). Dastmalchi et al (2008) reported that M. officinalis contained phenolic and flavonoid compounds such as RA, but there are currently very limited studies investigating N. menthoides extract for the actual amount of these components.…”

Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review

“…Ranjbar et al carried out a clinical trial in which subjects took lemon balm and Nepeta menthoides. The authors found that this combination improved the symptoms of anxiety and depression and reduced insomnia as measured with ISI, BAI, and BDI scores [110].…”

Heavy Metal Contamination of Medicinal Plants and Potential Implications on Human Health

“…For example, a study by Zuo et al [32], showed that the use of Malva sylvestris L. has cardioprotective effect and reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Ranjbar et al [33] showed in a study that a combination of Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss & Buhse can combat insomnia, depression and anxiety. Another interesting study by Sarma et al [30] shows that Salix migra inhibited oxidative stress in rats with collagen-induced arthritis, and Ghanbari et al [34] have shown that spirulina (Spirulina plathensis), improved the memory deficit induced by thetoxic alkaloid (scopolamine) by inhibiting oxidative stress.…”