Effect of the oral consumption of lavender extract (lavandula) on prehypertension in the retirees of retirement centers: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction/Aim: Hypertension is a common disorder of old age, which could be prevented by medicinal herbs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of lavender extract on prehypertension in the retired population. Methods: This triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 retired men and women who were divided into two groups of lavender extract and placebo using the permuted block technique. Lavender extract (originating from flower part) and placebo were used twice a day (3 grams is equivalent to 3 cc each time) for two weeks. Blood pressure was measured before use, in the first and second week after use, and one week after the discontinuation of the medication to evaluate the stability of the drug effects. Data analysis was performed in STATA software version 14 at the significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Before the intervention, the mean systolic blood pressure in the lavender extract and placebo groups was 133.9 ± 9.3 mmHg and 127.3 ± 6.3 mmHg, respectively. After a one-week intervention, the mean blood pressure of the groups was 123.1 ± 12.6 mmHg and 125.8± 7.2 mmHg, respectively, while it was 120.8 ± 10.7 mmHg and 127.9 ± 2 mmHg after two weeks. One week after drug discontinuation, these levels were estimated at 123.7 ± 10.7 mmHg and 129.2 ± 10.10 mmHg, respectively. The results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated that lavender extract had significant effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, lavender extract was effective in prehypertension control in the retired subjects.