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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research

The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled pilot study.

  • 2021-08-25
  • Parkinsonism & related disorders 91
    • Chbili Chahra
    • Hassine Anis
    • Douma Bissene
    • Selmi Mejda
    • Maatoug Jihène
    • Naija Salma
    • Nouira Manel
    • Ben Amor Sana
    • Khairi Hedi
    • Ben Fredj Maha

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
51 participants (idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients under conventional medication)
Methods
Randomized double-blind, 30 days of Origanum majorana tea or placebo
Blinding
Double-blind
Duration
30 days
Funding
Unclear

Aims

The effect of Origanum majorana tea consumption on motor and non-motor symptoms was investigated in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, measured by validated tools.

Methods

Sixty patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and under conventional medication were enrolled voluntarily in the study. All participants were randomized on double-blind to placebo or Origanum majorana. Clinical assessment with validated tools (UPDRSIII, NMSS, and BDI) was done before Origanum majorana or placebo consumption (Day 0) and at the end of the experiment (Day 30).

Results

The treatment groups were similar at baseline on demographic and clinical variables. During the course of study, nine participants withdrew for reasons of noncompliance and inability to follow-up. Fifty-one participants completed the study. Upon completion of 30 days of treatment, Origanum majorana tea consumption did not decrease the UPDRSIII score ([UPDRSIII] D0 = 18.76 ± 8.58, D30 = 16.52 ± 7.96, p = 0.069) at the p value was 0.07. However, a statistically significant improvement was noted in NMSS and BDI scores (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Assessment of the UPDRSIII, NMSS and BDI scores of the patients did not reflect any improvement with placebo. No side effect was detected during the study. CONCLUSION: These findings show improvement of depressive and non-motor signs in patients with Parkinson's disease in the group that consumed Origanum majorana tea in combination with conventional therapy. Improvement of motor signs may need an extended treatment period. However, more research with a large number of participants and lasting longer than 1 month is needed to argue these findings.

Research Insights

  • a statistically significant improvement was noted in NMSS and BDI scores (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large
  • Origanum majorana tea consumption did not decrease the UPDRSIII score ([UPDRSIII] D0 = 18.76 ± 8.58, D30 = 16.52 ± 7.96, p = 0.069)

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
  • a statistically significant improvement was noted in NMSS and BDI scores (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively)

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Large

Adverse Events Reported

  • OreganoOverall tolerability

    No side effect was detected during the study.

    Finding
    Reported
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