The effects of Melissa officinalis leaf extract on anxiety among patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries

Abstract

Background andobjectivesIn European Traditional Medicine and Iranian Traditional Medicine, Melissa officinalis L. is commonly regarded as an anti-anxiety agent. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Melissa officinalis leaf extract on anxiety among patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial (RCT), 80 candidates for orthopedic surgery were selected by purposeful sampling in an urban area of Iran. These patients were assigned to intervention and control groups using minimization methods. The intervention group consumed 500 mg capsules containing Melissa officinalis leaf extract at 4 pm and 10 pm on the day before the surgery. In the control group, the patients consumed a 500 mg capsule containing starch as a placebo at hours similar to those in the intervention group. Data gathering tools were a demographic questionnaire and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The STAI questionnaires were completed before the intervention and again at 8:00 am on the next day before the surgery. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18. ResultsAccording to the results, no significant difference was found between the two groups before the intervention (Mann-Whitney test, P = 0.67). But there was a significant difference between the two groups on the next day before the surgery, and the mean anxiety level was lower in the intervention group (Mann-Whitney test, P < 0.05). ConclusionsResults of the present study showed that Melissa officinalis extract could reduce anxiety among patients before surgery.