Curcumin effects on myeloperoxidase, interleukin-18 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 inflammatory biomarkers in patients with unstable angina: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation along with oxidative stress plays an important role in the development, progression, instability and rupture of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Several studies introduced curcumin (diferuloylmethane) as a wonderful chemical in Curcuma longa (turmeric) with appropriate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The effect of curcumin on inflammatory biomarkers was assessed in several clinical trials. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of curcumin on three pro-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with unstable angina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with unstable angina who met the inclusion criteria, participated in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the treatment group received nanocurcumin 80 mg per day for 5 days and the control group received placebo 80 mg per day for five days. Blood samples were obtained before the administration, and also 1, 2 and 4 days after taking the treatment. Serum concentrations of Myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) biomarkers were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in concentration of these biomarkers before the administration and 1, 2 and 4 days after the start of the trial, between the two groups; however, the concentration of IL-18 on the first day significantly varied between the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, administration of nanocurcumin capsules at the dose of 80 mg per day for 5 days, did not significantly decrease inflammatory biomarkers in patients with unstable angina.

Efficacy of Supportive Therapy of Allergic Rhinitis by Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root extract: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to survey the exact benefit of this herb in the management of clinical and laboratory signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In a randomized double blind clinical trial, 74 patients with the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis and a positive skin prick test were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups who were takenUrtica dioica 150-mg, Urtidin® F.C Tablet) or placebo for one month. Their signs and symptoms, eosinophil percentage on nasal smear, serum IgE, and interleukin IL-4, IL-5, interferon- γ) levels were recorded. Forty patients completed the trial. Based on the Sino- Nasal Outcome Test 22 SNOT-22), a significant improvement in clinical symptom severity was observed in both groups P < .001). Furthermore, a statistically significant reduction in mean nasal smear eosinophil count was observed after treatment with Nettle P < .01). However, the mean IgE and IL4 and IL5 levels in the study group before and after treatment with Nettle saw no significant changes P > .1). Intergroup pre- and post-treatment laboratory findings suggested that there was a significant difference in post-treatment changes of mean IFN γ levels between the study and placebo group P = 0.017). Although the current study showed certain positive effects of Nettle in the management of allergic rhinitis on controlling the symptoms based on the SNOT-22, similar effects were demonstrated by placebo as well. We believe that our limitations underscore the need for larger, longer term studies of Nettle for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.