1.
Management of acute cough by Zataria multiflora Boiss as an alternative treatment.
Mahboubi, M
Journal of integrative medicine. 2018;(1):20-25
Abstract
Cough, as a defensive reflux mechanism, removes foreign objects and secretions from bronchi and bronchioles of airways. Zataria multiflora is a popular plant for treatment of cough in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this review was to evaluate the potency of Z. multiflora as an alternative treatment in management of acute cough and its possible mechanisms of action. Here the authors compiled information about Z. multiflora in the treatment of cough from all accessible resources and books. The results of this investigation showed that there were five clinical studies that evaluated the efficacy of Z. multiflora essential oil or extract alone (n = 1), in combination with Althaea officinalis (n = 2) or Foeniculum vulgare essential oil (n = 1), in the form of syrup (n = 3), oral drop (n = 1) and soft capsule (n = 1), for the treatment of acute cough in comparison with placebo or synthetic drugs (bromhexine, dextromethorphan and clobutinol). All clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of Z. multiflora in the amelioration of acute cough in pediatric (n = 1) and adult patients (n = 4) without any adverse effects. Different mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, relaxant and immune-enhancement, may be responsible for the efficacy of Z. multiflora in cough relief. Other clinical trials can be performed with Z. multiflora in combination with ivy leaf extract or primrose root extract on patients with cough.
2.
[Micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium for children cough variant asthma:a randomized controlled trial].
Wang, X, Liu, B, Lu, B, Zhang, Y, Wang, L, Li, H, Han, X, Ding, D
Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion. 2017;(3):259-264
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium and simple montelukast sodium for children cough variant asthma (CVA). METHODS A total of 240 patients were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 120 cases in each one. Considering of cases dropping, 101 patients in the observation group and 105 cases in the control group were included. Montelukast sodium chewable tablets were applied before sleep for 3 months in the control group, 5 mg a time, once a day. Based on the treatment as the control group, micro-invasive embedding was used for 3 months in the observation group, twice in the first month and once in the other two months. The acupoints were Feishu (BL 13), Danzhong (CV 17), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), and Zusanli (ST 36). Follow-up was conducted 9 months after treatment in the two groups. The cough score, serum immunoglobulin (IgE, IgG, IgA), platelet activating factor (PAF) were observed before and after treatment. The indices were compared before and after treatment and at follow-up, including pulmonary function indices[peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), forced expiratory volume at the 1st second (FEV1)], and small airway function indices[forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 25% vital capacity (MEF25%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 50% vital capacity (MEF50%), forced expiratory flow rate with remaining 75% vital capacity (MEF75%) and mid expiratory flow rate (MEF25%-75%)]. Also, the total effects were evaluated. RESULTS ①The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.1% (94/101), which was better than 87.6% (92/105) in the control group (P<0.05). The cough disappearance time of the cured children in the observation group was (10.38±2.64) d, and it was shorter than (10.72 ±2.60) d of those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the cough score apparently decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P<0.05), with better result in the observation group (P<0.05). At follow-up, the recurrence frequency of the observation group was (1.43±1.20), and it was less than (1.91±1.71) in the control group (P<0.05). ②The levels of serum IgA and IgG after treatment in the two groups increased, and those of serum IgE and PAF decreased, compared with those before treatment. There was statistically significance except IgG in the control group before and after treatment (all P<0.05), with better Results in the observation group after treatment (all P<0.05). ③ Compared with those before treatment, all the pulmonary function indices were improved obviously after treatment and at follow-up in the two groups (all P<0.05), without statistically significance between the two groups (both P>0.05). ④ There was no statistically significance before and after treatment on small airway function indices in the two groups (all P>0.05). The indices at follow-up increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), with better Results in the observation group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Micro-invasive embedding combined with montelukast sodium achieved de-finite effect for children CVA, which can improve the body's immune and microcirculation. The effect is better than that of simple montelukast sodium on improving small airway function, etc.
3.
[Treatment of cough in respiratory tract infections - the effect of combining the natural active compounds with thymol].
Schönknecht, K, Krauss, H, Jambor, J, Fal, AM
Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 2016;(6):791-798
Abstract
Cough is one of the characteristic symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URI). Herbal medicines are often used in the treatment of the cough associated with infection and to accelerate recovery or support the immune system. An example of such products are extracts of thyme and primrose, and also their combination with thymol. Thymus vulgaris is a spasmolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant agent. The most important component responsible for the activity of thyme is thymol contained in the volatile thyme oil. Primrose is, most of all, a saponine agent with expectorant and secretolytic activity, showing also spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Because of the additive effects of the mentioned extracts and their wide activity profile they are often used as a combination drug. The use of this combination was assessed in the URI with the effects of alleviation of cough and dyspnea, and shortening the length of the disease. The effectiveness of the drug containing the extracts of thyme and primrose with the addition of thymol (Bronchosol®) was comparable to synthetic ambroxol and its safety has been proved. Moreover, the in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal effects of this drug have been evaluated.
4.
Guaifenesin in rhinitis.
Storms, W, Farrar, JR
Current allergy and asthma reports. 2009;(2):101-6
Abstract
Mucus in the airways is a complex mixture of water, lipids, glycoproteins, sugars, and electrolytes that serves as a lubricant for the epithelium. The efficient flow of respiratory mucus is a first level of immune defense that requires an appropriate viscosity and elasticity for optimal barrier and ciliary functions. Thickening and drying of airway mucus by respiratory tract infections, allergies, and drugs can impair evacuation. Tenacious, bothersome mucus is an annoying and frequent symptom of rhinitis that is difficult to manage. Common remedies include adequate hydration through fluid intake and nasal washes. The use of mucoactive agents is controversial due to limited data and equivocal efficacy in available studies. Nonetheless, some patients benefit. This review examines the use of guaifenesin (glyceryl guaiacolate) on bothersome nasal mucus associated with rhinitis, including the available published data and clinical experience.