Fractional Exhalation Nitric Oxide (FeNO) changes in cystic fibrosis patients induced by compound honey syrup: a pretest-posttest clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Persian medicine Syrup 'compound honey syrup (CHS)' on fractional exhalation nitric oxide (FENO) changes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a before-after clinical trial on 70 CF patients. All patients received classical treatments for CF along with CHS (including honey, Ginger, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom and galangal), 5-10 cc (depending on the age and weight of patients) in 100 cc of warm boiled water twice a day, 30 min after meals. In this clinical trial, before and 12 weeks after the start of the CHS, FeNO test was evaluated. RESULTS: From 70 patients were enrolled, 44 patients completed this 12-week course of treatment. At the end of the study, changes in FeNO was significantly different before and after treatment (P-value < 0.05). At the end of the study, no dangerous side effects of CHS was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that CHS can be effective as a complementary and safe drug in the medication of CF patients.

Herbal Treatment of COPD and Asthma According to Persian Medicine: a Review of Current Evidence.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common pulmonary diseases. The current therapeutic outcomes are not satisfactory and may cause adverse events such as cardiovascular complications. In this study, we aimed to discuss some effective medicinal herbs for the management of COPD. Materials and Methods: In this review, we looked for effective medicinal herbs for productive cough with thick and sticky mucus in Persian medicine sources such as Qanoon fi al-Teb, Exir Azam, and Zakhire Kharazmshahi. Then, to find relevant evidence about them, the data sources (PubMed and Google Scholar) were searched in the English language without time restriction from inception up to March 2022. Results: We found that Zataria multiflora, Thymus vulgaris L, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Crocus sativus L., Nepeta bracteata Benth., and Hyssopus officinalis have beneficial effects on COPD due to their properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. In addition, considering asthma COPD overlap (ACO), medicinal herbs including Cordia myxa, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Cinnamomum verum, Viola odorata, Borago officinalis, Linum usitatissimum and Vitis viniferia L. were found to have useful effects on asthma. Conclusion: Considering the mentioned beneficial mechanisms of action of these medicinal herbs, they could be used as a complementary therapy in COPD and asthma. However, more experimental and clinical research should be done to confirm their clinical effects.