In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the effects of 10 ml/d of Viola odorata extracted syrup supplementation during 4 weeks on quality and pattern of sleep in 83 patients with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The scores of insomnia symptoms were evaluated using total score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the scores of its components, the depression score using the final Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II) score, and OCD score using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS).

The total PSQI score was found to be improved
significantly in Viola odorata syrup
supplemented group (p < 0.001) compared with placebo for both patients with depression and OCD. Significant
improvements were also observed in the final mean difference of BDI-II (p = 0.009) and YBOCS (p = 0.001) scores in Viola odorata syrup supplemented group.

In conclusion, Viola odorata syrup significantly improved insomnia symptoms and the scores of depression and OCD.

Shayesteh M, Vaez-Mahdavi MR, Shams J, et al. Effects of Viola odorata as an Add-On Therapy on Insomnia in Patients with Obsession or Depression: A Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial [published online ahead of print, 2020 Feb 19]. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;10.1089/acm.2019.0254. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0254