Aim. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) on depression in patients after coronary artery bypass graft.

Background. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common operation among patients with coronary artery disease. Many of these patients are faced with depression after cardiac surgery.

Method. In this randomized clinical trial, 80 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft were randomly assigned to treatment and placebo groups. Data collection tools included demographic and clinical sheet and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Each patient randomly received either a capsule containing 500 mg lemon balm or a placebo, 3 times a day. After 7 days, depression in both groups was measured and compared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 16).

Findings. After the intervention, herbal balm decreased depression more in intervention group compared with the placebo group (P=0.008).

Conclusion. According to findings , Lemon balm may reduce depression after coronary artery bypass graft.