title: Efficacy of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
abstract: Traditionally, the dried flower of Echium amoenum (Boraginaceae) has been used in Iran as an anxiolytic and mood enhancer. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of an aqueous extract of E. amoenum in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Forty-four patients were randomly assigned to receive either E. amoenum aqueous extract (500 mg/day) or placebo in a 6-week, double blind, parallel-group trial. Patients were assessed before the study and during weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6 by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive (Y-BOCS), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), and a score sheet on adverse effects. In weeks 4 and 6, the extract showed a significant superiority over placebo in reducing obsessive and compulsive and anxiety symptoms. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of adverse effects. The results suggest that E. amoenum aqueous extract has some anti obsessive and compulsive effects. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Joondi Shapoor University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran. sayah_bargard@Hotmail.com
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sayyah
authors.forename: Hatam
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Boostani
authors.forename: Siroos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pakseresht
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malaieri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D036661:Echium / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010045:Outpatients; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations