Efficacy of Tukhm-e-Kahu [seeds of lactuca scariola linn.] on mixed anxiety depressive disorder. [a randomized placebo controlled double-blind trial]

ABSTRACT

Objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of seeds of Lactuca scariola Linn, on DSM IV defined mixed anxiety depressive disorder. This study was carried out by conducting a 8 weeks, double blind, placebo controlled trial at New Delhi. A total of 54 patients were registered randomly in test group [N=30] and placebo group [N=24]. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the 14-item Hamilton Rating scale for anxiety and 17-item Hamilton Rating scale for depression respectively. Reduction in the total score was statistically analyzed and adverse event tabulated. The test drug was found to be comparably effective and superior to placebo in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the test group [p<0.001] in both anxiety and depression. But a marginal significant improvement was observed in anxiety in placebo group