Last updated July 11, 2026
Key finding
Significant decrease in depression severity (p < 0.001)
This study evaluated the effects of Melissa officinalis extract on depression and anxiety in patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant reductions in both conditions.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the effects of Melissa officinalis extract on depression and anxiety in patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant reductions in both conditions.
These findings are significant as they suggest a potential natural treatment option for managing depression and anxiety in patients with type 2 diabetes, conditions that can complicate diabetes management and negatively impact quality of life.
Limited sample size may affect generalizability Short duration of the study Lack of long-term follow-up data
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Mostafa S, Akbar A, Naheed A, et al. The efficacy of Melissa officinalis extract on depression and anxiety in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2023;23:140. doi:10.1186/s12906-023-03978-x
Depression severity decreased by 3.5 points (p < 0.001)
Anxiety severity decreased by 2 points (p = 0.01)
No significant change in fasting blood sugar (p = 0.45)
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Melissa officinalis capsules and Anxiety score, C-reactive protein, Depression score, and 3 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Melissa officinalis capsules
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
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2
Related topics
6
Evidence pairs
303
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Melissa officinalis capsules → Anxiety score
Melissa officinalis capsules → Anxiety score
Melissa officinalis capsules → C-reactive protein
Melissa officinalis capsules → C-reactive protein
Melissa officinalis capsules → Depression score
Melissa officinalis capsules → Depression score
Melissa officinalis capsules → Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
Melissa officinalis capsules → Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
Melissa officinalis capsules → Sleep quality
Melissa officinalis capsules → Sleep quality
Melissa officinalis capsules → Systolic blood pressure
Melissa officinalis capsules → Systolic blood pressure
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Melissa officinalis capsules and Fasting Glucose, Melissa officinalis capsules and Mental Health.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Supplements
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Fasting Glucose
Measures Fasting Glucose as a key outcome.
All studies on Melissa officinalis capsules
Contributes to Melissa officinalis capsules evidence base.
All studies measuring Mental Health
Measures Mental Health as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Quality of Life Outcomes
Measures Quality of Life Outcomes as a key outcome.
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2 results
1 results
2 results
2 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Melissa officinalis capsules may improve Fasting blood sugar (FBS).
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
Melissa officinalis capsules appears to improve Anxiety score.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Anxiety score
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Melissa officinalis capsules appears to improve Depression score.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Depression score
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Melissa officinalis capsules for C-reactive protein.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
C-reactive protein
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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