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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2024

Abdelrahim Alqudah, Esam Qnais, Salsabeel H. Sabi, Yousra Bseiso, Omar Gammoh and Mohammed Wedyan

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential benefits of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and memory among students.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential benefits of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and memory among students.

Design/methodology/approach

This randomized controlled trial involved university students aged 18–25 years, who had no known allergies to C. sativum or were using psychotropic medication. After giving informed consent, participants were randomly assigned using a computer-generated random sequence to either 500 mg C. sativum seeds or a placebo. Primary outcomes measured changes in memory (prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire [PRMQ]), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), while secondary outcomes assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory [PSQI]).

Findings

A sample of 86 students with a mean age of 20.05 ± 1.6 years was selected for the study. Initial assessments ensured no significant differences in demographic or study variables between the control and intervention groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in memory (PRMQ: p = 0.006), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Scale: p = 0.04) and depression (Hospital Depression Scale: p = 0.002), as well as in sleep quality (PSQI: p = 0.03) in the group receiving C. sativum compared to the control group.

Originality/value

This research offers initial insights into the potential benefits of C. sativum intake, specifically its role in enhancing memory performance and mitigating anxiety among student populations. The results present a compelling case for further research in this domain to solidify these preliminary conclusions.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2024

Najah Shawish, Mariam Kawafha, Andaleeb Abu Kamel, Dua’a Al-Maghaireh and Salam Bani Hani

This study aims to explore the effects of cat-assisted therapy (Ca-AT) on a patient in their homes, specifically investigating the effects on patient’s memory, behavioral…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effects of cat-assisted therapy (Ca-AT) on a patient in their homes, specifically investigating the effects on patient’s memory, behavioral pathology and ability to perform activities of daily living, independently.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study design was used in patient’s homes using three measuring scales, namely, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel index (BI) and Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Rating Scale.

Findings

The MMSE and BI mean scores were increased, whereas the Behavioral Pathology mean score was decreased. Patient negative behaviors were improved specifically, aggressiveness, anxieties, phobias, and caregiver burden was decreased.

Practical implications

Patients with AD could significantly benefit from Ca-AT in their own homes, and it could decrease caregiving burden.

Originality/value

Ca-AT is a newly developed type of animal-assisted therapy that uses cats to treat patients, especially elderly people with AD, in their homes.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

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