The Effect of Basil on Depression, Stress, and Anxiety in Menopausal Women: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Assistant Professor of Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor of Traditional Pharmacy, Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/nnj.2025.81684.1456

Abstract

Background and Aims: Menopause refers to the permanent cessation of menstruation due to ovarian failure and is often accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Hormone therapy is the primary treatment for these symptoms. However, due to the side effects of these drugs, as well as antidepressants and anxiolytics, natural and herbal remedies have gained attention. This review study aimed to investigate the effect of basil on depression, anxiety, and stress in menopausal women.
Materials and Methods: In this narrative review, documents without time limitations were searched using the keywords menopause, menopausal symptoms, anxiety, stress, depression, medicinal plants, complementary medicine, traditional medicine, and basil, both individually and in combination, in Persian and English databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Google Scholar. The documents were summarized and critically reviewed.
Results: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) has calming effects due to compounds such as linalool, eugenol, and rosmarinic acid. This plant can reduce anxiety and depression by affecting GABA receptors and increasing serotonin levels. Compounds found in basil, such as rosmarinic acid and kaempferol, also help improve mood and reduce menopausal symptoms. Additionally, the phytoestrogenic effects of basil can alleviate depression, stress, and anxiety in menopausal women.
Conclusion: This study's results indicate that basil can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in menopausal women. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm basil's positive effects and determine its precise mechanisms of action.

Keywords

References

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Navid No
Volume 27, Issue 91
December 2024
Pages 68-80

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