Efficacy of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) as an add-on to antidepressant medication for the treatment of persistent depressive symptoms in adults: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 1415-1427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian L Lopresti ◽  
Stephen J Smith ◽  
Sean D Hood ◽  
Peter D Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Persistent Depression ◽  
Saffron Extract

Background: As a stand-alone intervention, saffron has efficacy for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. However, research as an adjunct agent is limited. Aims: The effects of saffron as an adjunct to pharmaceutical antidepressants in adults with persistent depression was investigated. Methods: In this eight-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adults with persistent depression, currently taking a pharmaceutical antidepressant were given a placebo or a saffron extract (affron®, 14 mg b.i.d.). Primary outcome measures included the clinician-rated Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and self-rated MADRS (MADRS-S). Secondary outcome measures included the Antidepressant Side-Effect Checklist (ASEC) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results: Of the 160 participants enrolled, 139 provided usable data. Based on the MADRS, depressive symptoms decreased more in participants taking saffron compared with a placebo, with reductions of 41 and 21%, respectively ( p = 0.001). However, scores on the MADRS-S decreased 27 and 26% in the saffron and placebo conditions, respectively ( p = 0.831). Saffron was associated with a greater reduction in adverse effects of antidepressants ( p = 0.019), although this was non-significant after covarying for baseline values ( p = 0.449). Quality of life improved in both groups with no significant between-group differences ( p = 0.638). Conclusion: Adjunctive administration of a standardised saffron extract (affron®) for eight weeks was associated with a greater improvement in depressive symptoms as measured by the clinician-rated MADRS but not the self-report MADRS-S. Given the conflicting results, further research is needed to clarify the clinical benefits of saffron as an adjunctive treatment for adults with persistent depressive symptoms despite antidepressant drug treatment.

scholarly journals An Extract ofGlycyrrhiza glabra(GutGard) Alleviates Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kadur Ramamurthy Raveendra ◽  
Jayachandra ◽  
Venkatappa Srinivasa ◽  
Kadur Raveendra Sushma ◽  
Joseph Joshua Allan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Global Assessment ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of GutGard, an extract ofGlycyrrhiza glabra, in patients with functional dyspepsia. The primary outcome variables of the study were the change in the severity symptoms and the global assessment of efficacy. The quality of life was evaluated as a secondary outcome measure. The patients received either placebo or GutGard (75 mg twice daily) for 30 days. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of change in the severity of symptoms (as measured by 7-point Likert scale), the global assessment of efficacy, and the assessment of quality of life using the short-form Nepean Dyspepsia Index. In comparison with placebo, GutGard showed a significant decrease (P≤.05) in total symptom scores on day 15 and day 30, respectively. Similarly, GutGard showed marked improvement in the global assessment of efficacy in comparison to the placebo. The GutGard group also showed a significant decrease (P≤.05) in the Nepean dyspepsia index on day 15 and 30, respectively, when compared to placebo. GutGard was generally found to be safe and well-tolerated by all patients. GutGard has shown significant efficacy in the management of functional dyspepsia.

scholarly journals Efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation for patients with irritable bowel syndrome in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Gut ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 859-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdy El-Salhy ◽  
Jan Gunnar Hatlebakk ◽  
Odd Helge Gilja ◽  
Anja Bråthen Kristoffersen ◽  
Trygve Hausken
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Faecal Microbiota ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Irritable Bowel

ObjectiveFaecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy donors to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been attempted in two previous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. While one of those studies found improvement of the IBS symptoms, the other found no effect. The present study was conducted to clarify these contradictory findings.DesignThis randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomised 165 patients with IBS to placebo (own faeces), 30 g FMT or 60 g FMT at a ratio of 1:1:1. The material for FMT was obtained from one healthy, well-characterised donor, frozen and administered via gastroscope. The primary outcome was a reduction in the IBS symptoms at 3 months after FMT (response). A response was defined as a decrease of 50 or more points in the total IBS symptom score. The secondary outcome was a reduction in the dysbiosis index (DI) and a change in the intestinal bacterial profile, analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, at 1 month following FMT.ResultsResponses occurred in 23.6%, 76.9% (p<0.0001) and 89.1% (p<00.0001) of the patients who received placebo, 30 g FMT and 60 g FMT, respectively. These were accompanied by significant improvements in fatigue and the quality of life in patients who received FMT. The intestinal bacterial profiles changed also significantly in the groups received FMT. The FMT adverse events were mild self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms.ConclusionsFMT is an effective treatment for patients with IBS. Utilising a well-defined donor with a normal DI and favourable specific microbial signature is essential for successful FMT. The response to FMT increases with the dose.Trial registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03822299) and www.cristin.no (ID657402).

scholarly journals Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Long-Acting Methylphenidate for Cancer-Related Fatigue: North Central Cancer Treatment Group NCCTG-N05C7 Trial

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (23) ◽  
pp. 3673-3679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda R. Moraska ◽  
Amit Sood ◽  
Shaker R. Dakhil ◽  
Jeff A. Sloan ◽  
Debra Barton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Symptom Experience ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Acting

Purpose Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. This trial was developed to evaluate the efficacy of long-acting methylphenidate for improving cancer-related fatigue and to assess its toxicities. Patients and Methods Adults with cancer were randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to receive methylphenidate (target dose, 54 mg/d) or placebo for 4 weeks. The Brief Fatigue Inventory was the primary outcome measure, while secondary outcome measures included a Symptom Experience Diary (SED), the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Vitality Subscale, a linear analog self-assessment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Subject Global Impression of Change. Results In total, 148 patients were enrolled. Using an area under the serum concentration-time curve analysis, there was no evidence that methylphenidate, as compared with placebo, improved the primary end point of cancer-related fatigue in this patient population (P = .35). Comparisons of secondary end points, including clinically significant changes in quality-of-life variables and cancer-related fatigue change from baseline, were similarly negative. However, a subset analysis suggested that patients with more severe fatigue and/or with more advanced disease did have some fatigue improvement with methylphenidate (eg, in patients with stage III or IV disease, the mean improvement in usual fatigue was 19.7 with methylphenidate v 2.1 with placebo; P = .02). There was a significant difference in self-reported toxicities (SED), with increased levels of nervousness and appetite loss in the methylphenidate arm. Conclusion This clinical trial was unable to support the primary prestudy hypothesis that the chosen long-acting methylphenidate product would decrease cancer-related fatigue.

The efficacy of St. John's Wort in patients with minor depressive symptoms or dysthymia – a double-blind placebo-controlled study

Phytomedicine ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Randløv ◽  
J. Mehlsen ◽  
C.F. Thomsen ◽  
C. Hedman ◽  
H. von Fircks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
St John’S Wort ◽  
St John's Wort

scholarly journals Jiao-tai-wan for insomnia symptoms caused by the disharmony of the heart and kidney: a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Congcong Zeng ◽  
Xi Liu ◽  
Lufeng Hu ◽  
Yuan Feng ◽  
Nengzhi Xia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Drug Intervention ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Background: Insomnia seriously affects people’s normal lives and work. However, effective treatment strategies are scarce. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of Jiao-tai-wan (JTW) for ameliorating insomnia symptoms caused by disharmony of the heart and kidney. Design: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. One hundred twenty-four participants suffering from insomnia symptoms will randomly assigned to the JTW or placebo group in an equal ratio. The participants will be asked to take JTW or placebo granules twice a day for 1 week. All data will be gathered at baseline and at the end of drug intervention. The primary outcome measures will be the mean change in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) from baseline to the end of drug intervention. Secondary outcome measures will include the the altered sleep parameters in polysomnography, 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) evalution, the Disharmony of Heart and Kidney Scoring System score and blood tests, including the levels of serum adenosine and melatonin. A laboratory test will be taken before and after treatment to assess the safety of JTW. Discussion: The outcomes of this study will confirm the efficacy of JTW for the treatment of insomnia symptoms, and will also be used to monitor the safety of JTW. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019239.Registered on 1st November 2018- Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/. Keywords: Jiao-tai-wan, Insomnia, Traditional herbal medicine, Randomized controlled trial, Study protocol, Pattern identification Protocol version: Manuscript based on study protocol version 1.3, 1 November 2018.

scholarly journals Effects of MDMA on socioemotional feelings, authenticity, and autobiographical disclosure in healthy volunteers in a controlled setting

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Baggott ◽  
Jeremy R Coyle ◽  
Jennifer D Siegrist ◽  
Kathleen J Garrison ◽  
Gantt P Galloway ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Emotional Disclosure ◽  
Negative Evaluation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Social Emotions ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Interpersonal Closeness ◽  
Within Subjects

The drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ?ecstasy?, ?molly?) is a widely used illicit drug and experimental adjunct to psychotherapy. MDMA has unusual, poorly understood socioemotional effects, including feelings of interpersonal closeness and sociability. To better understand these effects, we conducted a within-subjects double-blind placebo controlled study of the effects of 1.5 mg/kg oral MDMA on social emotions and autobiographical disclosure in a controlled setting. MDMA displayed both sedative- and stimulant-like effects, including increased self-report anxiety. At the same time, MDMA positively altered evaluation of the self (i.e., increasing feelings of authenticity) while decreasing concerns about negative evaluation by others (i.e., decreasing social anxiety). Consistent with these feelings, MDMA increased how comfortable participants felt describing emotional memories. Overall, MDMA produced a prosocial syndrome that seemed to facilitate emotional disclosure and that appears consistent with the suggestion that it represents a novel pharmacological class.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of BCc1 and Hep-S Nanochelating-Based Medicines in Hospitalized COVID-19 Adult Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Hafizi ◽  
Somayeh Kalanaky ◽  
Saideh Fakharzadeh ◽  
Atefeh Fakharian ◽  
Somayeh Lookzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Reduce Mortality Rate ◽  
Tnf Α

Abstract Background: The mortality and morbidity of COVID‐19 disease as well as the lack of a proper medication has forced researchers and clinicians to employ urgent efficient technologies to overcome this current pandemic. In the severe forms of COVID-19, the patients develop a cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) where pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α play a key role in the development of this serious process. The efficiency of nanomedicines - as efficient immunomodulators - that are synthesized based on nanochelating technology have been proved in the previous studies. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of the combination of BCc1 and Hep-S nanomedicines on hospitalized COVID-19 patients was evaluated.Method: Laboratory-confirmed moderate COVID-19 patients at Masih Daneshvari Hospital were enrolled to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in two separate groups: combination of BCc1 and Hep-S (N=62) (treatment) or placebo (N=60) (placebo). The primary outcome of the study was evaluating the safety of the nanomedicines combination and its effect on the number of deceased patients, while the secondary outcome was decrease in inflammatory cytokines.Results: The evaluation of blood biochemical indices as well as clinical symptoms showed that adding the combination of BCc1 and Hep-S nanomedicines to the standard protocol of the treatment caused no adverse effects. The results analysis revealed that 28-day consumption of the nanomedicines led to a significant decrease in the mean level of IL-6 cytokine of the patients in the treatment group (p < 0.05). In addition, the patients in the treatment group had lower TNF-α levels compared to those in the control (p > 0.05) and they also showed less need for oxygen therapy. Finally, the number of the deceased patients in the treatment group was 30% lower than that of the control (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The combination of BCc1 and Hep-S, as safe nanomedicines, inhibits IL-6 as a highly important and well-known cytokine in COVID-19 pathophysiology, and presents a promising view for immunomodulation that can manage CSS and reduce mortality rate in COVID19 patients.Trial registration IRCTID, IRCT20170731035423N2. Registered 12 Jun 2020, http://www.irct.ir/ IRCT20170731035423N2.

scholarly journals Nicotinamide Riboside as a Neuroprotective Therapy for Glaucoma Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-control Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Kai-shun Leung ◽  
Seraph Tianmin Ren ◽  
Poemen Pui-man Chan ◽  
Kelvin H Wan ◽  
Aziz Kam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Nerve Degeneration ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Nicotinamide Riboside ◽  
Optic Nerve Degeneration

Abstract Background Whereas lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) can slow optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma, many patients with glaucoma continue to develop progressive loss in vision despite significant reduction in IOP. No treatment has been shown to be effective for neuroprotection in glaucoma. We set out to conduct a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether nicotinamide riboside (NR), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursor, is effective to slow optic nerve degeneration in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We hypothesize that patients treated with NR have a slower rate of progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning compared with those treated with placebo. Methods This is a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group, multi-center study including 125 patients with POAG. Patients will be randomized to receive 300mg NR or placebo for 24 months. Clinical examination, optical coherence tomography imaging of the RNFL, and visual field (VF) test will be performed at the baseline, 1 month, 4 months, and then at 2-month intervals until 24 months. The primary outcome measure is the rate of RNFL thinning measured over 24 months. The secondary outcome measures include (1) time to VF progression, (2) time to progressive RNFL/ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thinning, and (3) the rate of change of VF sensitivity over 24 months (to investigate neuroprotection) and 1 month (to investigate neuroenhancement). The rates of RNFL thinning and VF sensitivity decline between treatment groups will be compared with linear mixed modeling. Survival analysis will be performed to compare the differences in time from baseline to VF progression and time from baseline to progressive RNFL/GCIPL thinning between treatment groups using Cox proportional hazards models. Discussion Outcome measures in glaucoma neuroprotection trials have been predicated on detection of VF progression, which may take years to develop and confirm. In addition to addressing whether NR has a neuroprotective/neuroenhancement effect in glaucoma patients, this study will demonstrate the feasibility of studying neuroprotection in a relatively short trial period (24 months) by comparing the rates of progressive RNFL thinning, a more reproducible and objective outcome measure compared with VF endpoints, between treatment groups.

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