The effect of oral capsules containing Ocimum basilicum leaf extract on menopausal symptoms in women: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Menopause, characterized by various physical and mental changes, is primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, resulting in numerous complications. Recently, herbal treatments have gained significant attention for their minimal side effects compared to chemical drugs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral capsules containing Ocimum basilicum leaf extract (OBLE) on menopausal symptoms. Methods This placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted in 2020. The research focused on 60 menopausal women referred to Mashhad health centers. Eligible participants were administered either an OBLE 500 mg capsule or a placebo daily for 1 month. Menopause symptoms were evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) before, two weeks, and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS21, independent t, Mann–Whitney, and Friedman tests. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The independent t-test indicated that the mean (SD) scores of menopausal symptoms in both the OBLE and placebo groups were initially similar before the intervention ( P = 0.141). Two weeks after the intervention, the menopausal symptom scores were 9.5 ± 3.5 and 11.2 ± 5.6 in the OBLE and placebo groups, respectively ( P = 0.163, df = 58, t = 1.4). After one month, the menopausal symptom scores were 6.9 ± 0.3 in the OBLE group and 11.26 ± 0.6 in the placebo group ( P = 0.001, df = 58, t = 3.4). This indicates a significant difference between the two groups one month after the intervention, compared to before and two weeks after the intervention. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the scores of the physical and somato-vegetative dimension between the intervention and placebo groups two weeks and one month after the intervention ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The study results suggested that taking OBLE capsules led to a decrease in the scores of menopausal symptoms. This indicates that OBLE can be considered as a safe and cost-effective medicinal plant for alleviating menopausal symptoms among women.