Efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC in post stroke depression: A randomized, double blind, controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Post-stroke Depression (PSD) is a frequent neuropsychiatric manifestation of high clinical importance as it adversely affects recovery and quality of life, interferes with rehabilitation, and is a significant source of burden to caregivers. Prevalence rates of PSD range from 25% to 79%. The reason for treatment failure in patients of PSD includes the timing of intervention or the side effects of medications. Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC is commonly used in traditional medicine systems for neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders with the least or no side effects. However, its clinical efficacy in PSD remains unraveled. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi in PSD.

Methods

Present study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with 20 patients in each test and control group. Participants were randomly allocated to receive Nardostachys jatamansi 3gms (powder) in the test group or placebo in the control group for six weeks. Participants were asked to follow up fortnightly for the assessment of subjective parameters. Objective parameters (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS₁₇) score and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were assessed at baseline and end of the trial.

Results

After 6 weeks of treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in HDRS₁₇ score and SF-36 (p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group (P = 0.108, and 0.29 respectively). Comparison between baseline and post-treatment scores in the test group showed a positive reduction in all subjective parameters however, in the control group there was no statistically significant change. The intergroup analysis revealed that the reduction in HDRS₁₇ score and improvement in SF-36 score was statistically significant in the test group than the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study revealed that the test drug is effective in the management of PSD. There was no adverse effect observed during the trial.