Is lavender an anxiolytic drug? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials.

R Perry, R Terry, L K Watson, E Ernst

Journal: Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology 2012;19(8-9):825-35

PMID: 22464012

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is often recommended for stress/anxiety relief and believed to possess anxiolytic effects.

AIM

To critically evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness of lavender for the reduction of stress/anxiety.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant studies. All methods of lavender administration were included. Data extraction and the assessment of the methodological quality of all included trials were conducted by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Two trials scored 4 points on the 5-point Jadad scale, the remaining 13 scored two or less. Results from seven trials appeared to favour lavender over controls for at least one relevant outcome.

CONCLUSION

Methodological issues limit the extent to which any conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy/effectiveness of lavender. The best evidence suggests that oral lavender supplements may have some therapeutic effects. However, further independent replications are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Address: Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Veysey Building, Salmon Pool Lane, University of Exeter, Exeter EX2 4SG, United Kingdom. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.02.013

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https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0944...

MeSH Terms: Administration, Inhalation, Administration, Oral, Anti-Anxiety Agents, Anxiety, Aromatherapy, Humans, Lavandula, Massage, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic