Revealing the Beauty of Cestrum Nocturnum Flower (CNF) Extract: Discovering the Promising Potential of CNF Extract in Safeguarding and Managing Depression - A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also manageable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of Cestrum nocturnum Flower (CNF) extract for prevention and control of depression. Study Design: A pragmatic, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Settings: Lahore urban community. Duration: March 23,2023 to June 28,2023. Methods: In the study conducted, sixty depressed patients were recruited and randomized to either the Group A (CNF extract) or Group B (placebo group) at a 1:1 ratio. The subjects received CNF extract or placebo for four weeks. The major outcome was relief in depression. Results: At base line there was no difference between CNF and placebo group regarding depression. All the CNF group patients took the CNF extract for four weeks. Similarly, placebo group was given placebo for the same period. There was a significant difference between these two groups as far as depression was concerned up to the end of 4 weeks trial with P value <0.05. Conclusion: CNF extract had a significant effect on depression prevention and control.