Comparison of the Effect of Lavender and Bitter Orange on Depression in Menopausal Women: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Menopause is an inevitable milestone and an important stage in every woman's life. This study aimed to compare the effects of lavender and bitter orange on depression in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 156 menopausal women in Urmia, Iran in 2015. Eligible women were allocated into 2 intervention groups and one control group with a ratio of 1:1:1 through the randomized block design. Intervention groups received 500 mg capsules containing only bitter orange or lavender flower's powder and control group received 500 mg starch capsules, all groups used capsules twice daily after breakfast and dinner for 8 weeks. Capsules were in the same appearance. Beck Depression Inventory was completed by the participants before and 8-week after the commencement intervention. The analysis was performed based on intention to treat approach. Results: The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis showed no significant difference in mean depression score in the three groups before the intervention (P = 0.262); however, the general linear model test adjusted for base line and confounding factors such as menopausal age and women age showed significant differences between the groups in the mean depression score after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). Bitter orange significantly reduced the mean depression score compared with the control group (adjusted mean difference [AMD], -2.88; 95% CI, -4.26 to -1.51). Lavender significantly reduced the mean depression scores compared with the control group as well (AMD, -3.01; 95% CI, -4.40 to -1.63). There was no significant between lavender and bitter orange groups after intervention (P = 0.850). Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of bitter orange and lavender in reducing depression in menopausal women, they can be used as a complementary medicine in depressed patients.