Common herb may help ease anxiety symptoms in patients with depression

Key Points:

• A study published in Brain and Behavior found that basil leaf extract, taken nightly alongside standard antidepressants, significantly reduced symptoms of severe depression and anxiety compared to a placebo.
• The randomized, single-blind trial involved 60 adults with major depressive disorder and anxiety, showing that the basil group experienced larger decreases in depression and anxiety scores over four weeks.
• Basil syrup was well-tolerated with only minor side effects reported, and its active compounds like linalool may interact with brain pathways related to mood and stress.
• The study highlights basil extract as a potential supplementary treatment rather than a replacement for conventional antidepressants, though limitations include the short duration and possible unblinding due to the herb’s distinct taste and smell.
• Researchers recommend further long-term studies with larger samples to better understand basil’s role in mental health treatment and its specific effects on anxiety and depression symptoms.