410 - ‘Effectiveness of Anise Oil for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Active and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial’. Journal or Evidence Based Integrative Medicine. 22(1); 41-46

Reference Number: 410

Year: 2016

Authors: Mosaffa-Jahrome M. et al

Link: Link to original paper

Health: Depression | IBS | Mental Health

Inclusions: Aniseed

Summary

Depression is a prevalent disorder among patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of a traditional Persian medicine product, anise oil, in removing the symptoms of mild to moderate depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In a randomized double-blinded active and placebo controlled clinical trial, 120 participants with mild to moderate depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory–II total scores were categorized into 3 equal groups and received anise oil, Colpermin, and placebo. The results at the end of trial (week 4) and follow-up (week 6) demonstrated significant priority against active and placebo groups. Although the mechanism is unknown yet, anise oil could be a promising choice of treatment for depressed patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

What does this mean for Bakers?

I think that this is a very interesting study for those who suffer from IBS related depression as it highlights how adding anise oil into sourdough bakes may help to relieve some symptoms of depression.

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