Effects of Passiflora incarnata and Valeriana officinalis in the control of anxiety due to tooth extraction: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L. to control anxiety, surgical discomfort, and changes in vital signs of patients undergoing extraction of two unilateral third molars.

Materials and methods: This study is a randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial. Fifty-four patients were allocated into three groups (Valeriana officinalis L., Passiflora incarnata L., and placebo). Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trace Anxiety Inventory (STAI) index, surgical discomfort using the QCirDental, and through the measurement of vital signs. The surgical times evaluated were before (T0), during (T1), and after surgery (T2).

Results: There was evidence that both Valeriana officinalis L. and Passiflora incarnata L., reduced STAY-S scores between T0 and T2 (p < .05), unlike placebo (p = .129). There was no change in surgical discomfort in all groups over time, and vital signs presented variable results.

Conclusion: Phytotherapy drugs showed a reduction in anxiety state compared to the placebo group during third molar extraction procedure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: klRBR-6kcxvrc, March 10, 2022.

Keywords: Anxiety; Passiflora incarnata L.; Phytotherapy; Surgical discomfort; Third molars; Valeriana officinalis L..