The Efficacy of an Oral Formulation of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Viola odorata, and Operculina turpethum as an Add-on Therapy for Mild-to-moderate Childhood Asthma: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an oral combined tablet of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Viola odorata, and Operculina turpethum (Anti-Asthma®) as an add-on therapy for the relief of the severity of symptoms in mild-to-moderate childhood asthma. Methods: This randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 children and adolescents with chronic mild-to-moderate childhood asthma. Patients were randomly divided into cases who received Anti-Asthma® oral combined tablets 2 tablets twice dailt for 1 month and controls, received placebo tablets identically the same to Anti-Asthma® (2 tablets, twice daily, for 1 month) as add-ons to their standard therapy according to the guideline. The severity and frequency of cough attacks and shortness of breath, respiratory test indices (based on spirometry), and the extent of disease control and treatment adherence were measured clinically by validated questionnaires at the beginning and after the study. Findings: Respiratory test indices improved and the severity of activity restriction decreased significantly in the cases compared to the controls However, the mean difference before and after the study was significantly different between the cases and controls only for the number and severity of coughs and the severity of activity restriction. In the scores of the Asthma Control Questionnaire, the cases group had a significant improvement compared to the controls. Conclusion: Anti-Asthma® oral formulation may be effective as an adjunct add-on treatment in the maintenance therapy of mild-to-moderate childhood asthma.

Glutamine powder-induced hepatotoxicity: it is time to understand the side effects of sports nutritional supplements.

Glutamine has been considered as a dietary supplement with a non-essential amino acid structure. Some studies have found that liver failure may be associated with a high plasma glutamine level. Consumption of this product may be linked to potential adverse effects. This report describes the first case of glutamine-induced hepatotoxicity. A 35-year-old female athlete with severe abdominal pain and scleral icterus was referred to the hospital. She had been taking glutamine powder for the past three weeks. Impaired liver function test and imaging evaluation suggested hepatotoxicity. Glutamine consumption was discontinued and the patient was closely monitored. Finally, after two weeks, the patient recovered successfully. This novel case was the first report regarding glutamine-induced hepatotoxicity. Health care providers must know that consumption of dietary supplements such as glutamine may be associated with serious side effects. Liver damage is a possible side effect of glutamine. Hence it is necessary to consider hepatotoxicity as an adverse reaction in case of glutamine supplement consumption.

Omega-3 in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, Effects on Inflammatory Markers and Lipid Profile.

INTRODUCTION: CKD is one of the most prevalent entities associated with high morbidity and mortality. Most of the patients with renal diseases, particularly patients undergoing dialysis, suffer from cardiovascular disease and it is necessary to employ appropriate strategies to prevent and manage this complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 in patients undergoing CAPD. METHODS: Nineteen CAPD patients with certain inclusion and exclusion criteria enrolled in this study. Omega-3 capsules with a dose of 1 g/d up to three months, were administrated. Some inflammatory markers such as ESR, CRP, HS-CRP, IL-6, MDA, and homocysteine were measured in three phases. In addition, lipid profile including triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were measured. RESULTS: Results of this study showed that CRP, HS-CRP, and homocysteine levels increased insignificantly (P > .05) whereas, MDA level was increased significantly (P < .05). ESR and IL-6 levels both decreased but did not show any statistically significance (P > .05). Results of lipid profile also suggested that none of the lipid levels changed significantly (P > .05). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to design large trials in order to understand clear effects of omega-3 on inflammatory markers in PD patients. In addition, the results of this current pilot study should be interpreted with caution.

Complementary Therapies for Idiopathic Hirsutism: Topical Licorice as Promising Option.

Hirsutism is one of the most prevalent health problems in women. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 755 nm alexandrite hair removal laser with that of alexandrite laser plus topical licorice on the improvement of idiopathic hirsutism. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was performed on 90 female subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: alexandrite laser plus 15% licorice gel (group A) and placebo (group B). Each subject received one of both products over one side of the face, twice daily for 24 weeks on the hirsute locations. Each group underwent five sessions of alexandrite laser at 6-week intervals. To minimize the effects of confounding variables, the test was performed on two separate zones of patients' skin. The mean ± SD numbers of terminal hairs in group A were 7.05 ± 4.55 for zone 1 and 6.06 ± 3.70 for zone 2. In group B, they were 3.18 ± 1.75 for zone 1 and 2.49 ± 1.63 for zone 2. The difference in the mean number of terminal hairs was statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.001), and there were no serious adverse reactions. The treatment of idiopathic hirsutism with 755 nm alexandrite laser plus topical licorice is more effective than alexandrite laser only.