Effect of Nepeta bracteata Benth. on allergic rhinitis symptoms: A randomized double-blind clinical trial
Abstract
Context: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the health problems in the world. It is necessary to develop new treatment procedure for control of this disease. Aims: Te aim of this study was to assess the effect of Zofa (Nepeta bracteata Benth) on AR patients. Settings and Design: ???. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 71 patients (37 patients in treatment and 34 in placebo group) participated. In treatment group, N. bracteata syrup (NBS) was used for 4 weeks as three times a day. Te efficacy of the drug regarding AR symptoms (rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itchy nose, and ocular symptoms) were evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS) by 0–10 before administration and at the end of the whole treatment period.
Statistical Analysis Used: Te collected information was entered in the SPSS software (version 18) and was analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test, Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and paired sample test. Results: Te improvement of AR symptoms in the group receiving NBS was significantly higher compared to control group (4.73 ± 1.84 vs. 0.38 ± 2.06; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the mean of total VAS before and after the treatment (in case group) was 7.10 ± 1.92 and 2.37 ± 1.76, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Te results of this study indicate that N. bracteata has significant effects on improving the symptoms of AR. Hence, it can be a good alternative to AR symptoms relief.
Statistical Analysis Used: Te collected information was entered in the SPSS software (version 18) and was analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test, Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and paired sample test. Results: Te improvement of AR symptoms in the group receiving NBS was significantly higher compared to control group (4.73 ± 1.84 vs. 0.38 ± 2.06; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the mean of total VAS before and after the treatment (in case group) was 7.10 ± 1.92 and 2.37 ± 1.76, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Te results of this study indicate that N. bracteata has significant effects on improving the symptoms of AR. Hence, it can be a good alternative to AR symptoms relief.