Therapeutic effects of Silexan on somatic symptoms and physical health in patients with anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis
von Känel R, et al.
Published in Brain and Behavior
Methodology
Meta-analysis of five randomised, placebo-controlled trials of Silexan 80 mg/day (three in subthreshold anxiety disorders, two in generalised anxiety disorder), analysing mean change from baseline at week 10 in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale somatic anxiety subscore and individual items, SF-36 physical health, insomnia and fatigue.
Key Findings
Five randomised placebo-controlled trials of Silexan (lavender oil preparation, 80 mg/day) were pooled: three in subthreshold anxiety and two in generalised anxiety disorder. At week 10 Silexan beat placebo on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale somatic anxiety subscore with a standardised mean difference of -0.31 (95% CI -0.52 to -0.10, p = 0.004), an effect independent of age and sex. Individual HAMA items for muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory and genitourinary symptoms also favoured Silexan, with small to medium effects, as did SF-36 physical health, bodily pain, general health, insomnia complaints and fatigue.
Conclusions
Statistically significant and clinically meaningful advantages of Silexan over placebo were found in improving somatic symptoms and physical health.
Limitations
Pooling only five trials of a single branded preparation, with somatic symptoms as a secondary rather than primary endpoint and a 10-week horizon; effect sizes are small and longer-term outcomes are unknown.
Supplements Studied
statistically significant and clinically meaningful advantages of Silexan over placebo treatment were found in improving somatic symptoms and physical health.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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