The role of synbiotics as adjunctive agents in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic disease affecting a significant portion of the global population. The substantial economic burden associated with treating AR necessitates the exploration of alternative therapies. Probiotics have gained attention due to their availability, minimal adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness. The present study aims to investigate the role of synbiotics as adjunctive agents in the treatment of AR when added to standard treatment. Method: Thirty patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were randomly assigned to receive routine diet therapy plus synbiotics or routine diet therapy plus placebo per day for 4 months. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 20. Result: This study revealed a notable difference in immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels between the placebo and synbiotics groups (p = 0.035) following the intervention. Although a statistically significant difference (p = 0.039) was observed in the changes before and after the intervention (synbiotics and placebo) in the SNOT22 questionnaire, this finding was not observed for the MiniRQLQ questionnaire. For the MiniRQLQ questionnaire, the within-group analysis showed significant changes in activity variables (p = 0.023), ocular symptoms (p = 0.036), and practical problems (p = 0.043) exclusively in the synbiotics group. Additionally, changes in nasal symptoms were observed in both synbiotics (p = 0.006) and placebo (p = 0.007) groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that synbiotics supplementation for 4 months can impact IgE levels compared with placebo in individuals with PAR, while also exhibiting positive effects on symptomology.

Short-course administration of a traditional herbal mixture ameliorates asthma symptoms of the common cold in children.

OBJECTIVE: Asthma is an increasing chronic respiratory disease affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Several studies have shown that herbal remedies may improve asthma control and reduce asthma symptoms. In this study, the effects of short-course administration of an herbal mixture (ASMATUSTM) in asthmatic children during viral respiratory tract infection, were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six children (7-12 years old) with intermittent asthma were enrolled in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. At the onset of common cold symptoms, the patients were randomly assigned to daily receive either the herbal mixture (comprised of Matricaria chamomilla, Althaea officinalis, Malva sylvestris, Hyssopus officinalis, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Ziziphus jujube) or placebo for 5 days. Primary outcomes included day symptoms, night symptoms, and asthma attacks. Secondary outcomes included Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), the need for ß-agonist administration, oral prednisolone usage, necessity for re-visit due to uncontrolled or insupportable symptoms, as well as the number of hospital admissions and days absent from school. RESULTS: the herbal mixture significantly decreased the severity of coughs (p=0.049) and nighttime awakenings (p=0.029) in comparison to placebo. There was no significant reduction in wheezing, tachypnea, respiratory distress, PEF rate, absence from school, outpatient visits, asthma exacerbation, oral prednisolone or ß-agonist usage and hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Short-course of herbal mixture this traditional herbal mixture, starting at the onset of signs of a viral respiratory tract infection in children with intermittent asthma, reduced cough and nights awakening. Further studies should be done to determine the most effective herbal admixture, as well as dose and duration of treatment.

Effects of a Novel Barley-Based Formulation on Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Current treatment options for Allergic Rhinitis (AR) may have their own limitations and side effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ma-al-Shaeer (MS), a novel natural formulation based on Hordeum vulgare, in the treatment of AR compared with Fexofenadine (FX). METHODS: A total of 77 patients with AR were divided into two groups: MS group (n=38) and FX group (n=39). The first group received 15 g of dried MS powder, and the second group received 60 mg of FX twice daily for 14 days. At baseline (week zero) and after the 14-day treatment period (week two), both groups were evaluated for sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, nasal itching, post nasal drip, eye, throat, or ear symptoms, headache, cough, mental function, quality of life scores, blood eosinophil count and total IgE levels. Rhinitis control assessment tests were conducted at week zero and again at one week after cessation of treatment (week three) in both groups. RESULTS: All symptoms of AR except cough were significantly reduced in both groups; for nasal congestion, post nasal drip, and headache, the MS treatment was found to be superior. Rhinitis control was significantly increased after treatment in both groups (p value < 0.001). Both drugs significantly reduced total IgE levels. There was no significant change in eosinophil count in either group. CONCLUSION: MS formulation based on H. vulgare may be an effective treatment for AR. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of MS as an alternative treatment in AR.