Investigating the Effect of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L) on Anxiety in the Elderly: A Clinical Trial with A Placebo Group

Abstract

Objective: Anxiety is widespread in the elderly. Traditional beliefs among people about the use of medicinal plants, despite few studies in this field, can cause more injuries or lack of proper treatment. Thus, this study investigates the effect of Melissa officinalis on the anxiety level of these people. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted with a placebo group of 63 elderly people assigned randomly into two groups of Melissa officinalis (n=32) and placebo (n=31). Swaps soaked in Melissa officinalis and distilled water were presented to the Melissa officinalis and placebo groups for 10 minutes. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used as a research tool in this study. The data were statistically analyzed in SPSS-27 software. Results: Demographic variables and baseline stage were not significantly different between groups (P>0.05). Melissa officinalis could dramatically reduce anxiety compared to placebo in post-treatment stages and 60 minutes after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Melissa officinalis can reduce anxiety in the elderly. Since this study investigated the effect of these herbal medicines on the anxiety of the elderly for the first time, it is recommended that this study be repeated on other statistical samples.