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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) powdered leaves are effective in treating anxiety symptoms: A phase-2, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

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Author(s):
Carmona, Fabio [1] ; Coneglian, Fernando Saraiva [1] ; Batista, Priscila Alves [1] ; Aragon, Davi Casale [1] ; Angelucci, Mateus Andrea [1] ; Martinez, Edson Zangiacomi [2] ; Soares Pereira, Ana Maria [3]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Pediat, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Social Med, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[3] Univ Ribeirao Preto, Dept Plant Biotechnol, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology; v. 242, OCT 5 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) is a plant traditionally used as medicine for anxiety symptoms. This activity was confirmed in preclinical studies. However, its efficacy was never studied in human clinical trials. Aim of the study: We aimed to test the hypothesis that the herbal medicine of A. polystachya is superior to placebo for the treatment of anxiety-related symptoms in adults after 8 weeks. Patients and methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase-2 clinical trial. Fifty-four adults with self-reported anxiety symptoms were randomly allocated to receive either capsules containing A. polystachya powdered leaves (300 mg, twice a day) or placebo (maltodextrin), for 8 weeks. The intensity of anxiety symptoms was assessed by the Hamilton Anxiety Ranking Scale (HAM-A) at baseline and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. All analyses were adjusted for physical activity (assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire {[}IPAQ], short version) and gender. Results: We confirmed the presence of acteoside (chromatographic analysis) and carvone and limonene (gas chromatography) as major constituents in our plant material. Only patients that received A. polystachya experienced a significant decrease in their HAM-A scores, with none or mild side-effects. Conclusion: Administration of powdered leaves of A. polystachya, rich in acteoside, carvone and limonene, to adults with anxiety symptoms was significantly superior to placebo in decreasing HAM-A scores after 8 weeks. This finding confirms the ethnopharmacological use of this plant for anxiety symptoms. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/22298-4 - Efficacy of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) on symptoms of anxiety
Grantee:Priscila Alves Batista
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation