Clinical study shows that capsules of basil leaf extract improve sleep quality in menopausal women
A clinical study demonstrates that capsules of basil leaf extract improve sleep quality in menopausal women. One of the most common issues during menopause is sleep disturbances, often negatively impacting the quality of life and well-being of women.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L, Lamiaceae family) is a traditional aromatic plant containing compounds within its phyto-complex that can influence sleep quality.
This triple-blind randomized clinical study specifically assessed the effect of capsules containing an extract from O. basilicum leaves on sleep quality and insomnia severity in a population of menopausal women. The research, approved by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, involved 60 menopausal women aged between 40 and 65.
Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group received one capsule per day for one month containing 250 mg of O. basilicum extract, while the control group received a 250 mg capsule of a placebo substance (cellulose, powder). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Insomnia Severity Index were used to evaluate sleep quality and insomnia severity before, two weeks after, and one month after the intervention.
Results showed no statistically significant difference in baseline variables between the intervention and placebo groups (p > .05). Total scores for sleep quality in the intervention and placebo groups were 6.2 ± 0.3 vs. 9.3 ± 0.3 (p < .001) and 3.7 ± 0.3 vs. 9.1 ± 0.3 (p = .015) respectively, at 2 weeks and 1 month after the intervention.
Total scores regarding insomnia severity in both groups (intervention and placebo) were 9.0 ± 0.3 vs. 12.1 ± 0.3 (p < .001) and 5.6 ± 0.5 vs. 11.0 ± 0.5 (p < .001) respectively, at 2 weeks and 1 month after the intervention.
Therefore, the consumption of O. basilicum capsules improved both sleep quality and insomnia severity in a group of menopausal women.
