Efficacy of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum L. in the treatment of mild to moderate obsessive – compulsive disorder

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a constant dose of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Method: Thirty - three patients with obsessive - compulsive disorder who had a score 21 on the Yale - Brown scale were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 500 mg of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum . Patients were followed for 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Yale - Brown Obsessive - Compulsive Rating Scale, in week 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. In the week 4 and 6, drug was superior to placebo. Results: This difference was significant in the sixth week (p = 0.003) and marginally non significant in the fourth week (P =0.053). The extract of Echium amoenum did not cause more adverse effects than placebo during the study. Conclusion: It is concluded the aqueous extract of Echium amoenum can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for obsessive - Compulsive disorder. However further studies at warranted.

Keywords

• echium amoenum l.
• obsessive - compulsive disorder