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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research

Further studies on the clinical efficacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthma.

  • 2004-10
  • Phytotherapy research : PTR 18(10)
    • S Govindan
    • S Viswanathan
    • V Vijayasekaran
    • R Alagappan

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population
mild to moderate bronchial asthma patients
Methods
investigation of S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum 300 mg tds for 3 days, compared with salbutamol (4 mg) and deriphylline (200 mg); PEFR measured
Blinding
Open-label
Duration
3 days
Funding
Unclear
The clinical efficacy of two herbs S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum in a dose of 300 mg tds for 3 days was investigated in mild to moderate bronchial asthma. Their effect was compared with standard bronchodilator drugs, salbutamol (4 mg) and deriphylline (200 mg). The respiratory function was assessed by measuring the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) using a mini peak flow meter. In addition, improvement in lung function was assessed by physical examination (rhonchi and crepitation) and other symptoms such as cough, breathlessness and sputum. S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum produced a progressive improvement in the ventilatory function of asthmatic individuals over 3 days. The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments. The improvement in PEFR and the reduction in other symptom scores clearly indicate a bronchodilator effect, a decrease of oedema and secretions in the airway lumen. The response to these herbs can be considered to be equivalent to that of deriphylline but less than salbutamol. No untoward effects were reported during the study. The present study further confirms the traditional use of these herbs in bronchial asthma.

Research Insights

  • S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum produced a progressive improvement in the ventilatory function of asthmatic individuals over 3 days. The improvement in PEFR and the reduction in other symptom scores clearly indicate a bronchodilator effect

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    300 mg tds for 3 days
  • The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    300 mg tds for 3 days
  • The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    300 mg tds for 3 days
  • The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    300 mg tds for 3 days
  • The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    300 mg tds for 3 days
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