[Efficacy of aqueous extract of echium amoenum L. in the treatment of mild to moderate obsessive - compulsive disorder]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a constant dose of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. 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. 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. 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