Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceStress & mood

Lavender Extract (Silexan)

Silexan, a specific oral lavender oil preparation, has the strongest clinical dataset of any calming herbal — multiple large placebo-controlled RCTs showing meaningful anxiety reduction without sedation or dependence. The main caveat is that essentially all pivotal trials come from a single manufacturer, and generic lavender capsules are not the same product.

What the science says

  • Reduces anxiety in anxiety disorders and subthreshold anxiety Moderate evidence

    A meta-analysis of five randomised, placebo-controlled trials in roughly 2,200 patients found Silexan 80 mg/day produced a moderate reduction in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores versus placebo (standardised mean difference around -0.5). Effects appeared within about 2 weeks and were consistent across GAD, subthreshold anxiety and mixed anxiety/depression.

  • Comparable to an SSRI in generalised anxiety disorder Moderate evidence

    In a 10-week trial of 539 GAD patients, both Silexan 80 mg and 160 mg reduced HAM-A scores significantly more than placebo, while the active comparator paroxetine 20 mg did not separate statistically from placebo. That is a striking result, but a failed active comparator arm also signals an underpowered or high-placebo-response trial, so it should not be read as proof that lavender beats SSRIs.

  • Improves anxiety-related sleep disturbance Moderate evidence

    Sleep items within the HAM-A and secondary sleep scales improved in several Silexan trials, and the effect appears to follow anxiety reduction rather than direct sedation — participants did not report daytime drowsiness or hangover. Silexan has not been tested as a standalone treatment for primary insomnia.

  • Treats depression Limited evidence

    A pooled analysis found improvement in co-occurring depressive symptoms in patients with anxiety, but this was in anxious populations where mood tracks anxiety. There is no adequate trial of Silexan as a treatment for major depressive disorder.

Dosage & safety

Studied dose80 mg once daily of the Silexan preparation (an oral lavender oil softgel standardised for linalool and linalyl acetate); 160 mg/day has been used for more severe anxiety with a similar safety profile. Trials ran 6-10 weeks, with onset of effect around 2 weeks. Ordinary lavender essential oil, tea or aromatherapy products have not been shown to reproduce these results and lavender essential oil must never be swallowed neat.
SafetyThe characteristic side effect is eructation — lavender-flavoured burping — which is dose-dependent and the main reason for unblinding concerns in trials. Otherwise adverse events were close to placebo rates, with no sedation, no cognitive impairment, no withdrawal and no dependence signal. Rare allergic reactions and GI upset occur. Case reports have linked lavender-containing products to prepubertal gynecomastia via possible weak endocrine activity; the evidence is contested but argues for caution in children. No adequate pregnancy or breastfeeding data. Silexan is sold as a licensed medicine (Lasea) in parts of Europe and only as a supplement elsewhere.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Integrative Therapeutics, Lavela WS 1265™, 60 Softgels (80 mg per Softgel)

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