The Effectiveness of Astragalus Root Extract on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Nurses Post COVID-19: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Nurses on the front lines of COVID-19 have suffered many complications, including anxiety and sleep disorders. This study examined the effects of Astragalus root extract on nurses’ anxiety and sleep quality post Covid-19. Methods: The study was a Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled trial that was conducted in Kashan, Iran, in 2023. Based on the quota of each department, the subjects were recruited and randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n=32) who received Astragalus root extract and the control group (n=32) who received placebo for one month. Demographic form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were completed by the subjects before, immediately after, and one month after the end of intervention. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), Chi Square, one-way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS version 16. The significance level was set at (p < 0.05). The study was conducted and reported based on CONSORT guidelines for herbal medicines. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean sleep quality score between the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention (p=0.001) and one month later (p=0.003). Moreover, the changes in the sleep quality score in the intervention group were significant over time (F=7.80, P<0.001). There was also a significant difference between the sleep quality of the two groups over time (F=5.32, P=0.006). The mean anxiety score between the two groups was significantly different immediately after the intervention (p= 0.02), one month later (p=0.04), and over time (F=16.69, p<0.001). Moreover, the changes in the anxiety score between the two groups showed a significant statistical difference (F=14.96, p<0.001). Conclusion: Root extract of Astragalus can reduce anxiety among nurses, post Covid-19 and improve the quality of their sleep. © (2026), (Iran University of Medical Sciences). All rights reserved.