ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a widespread disorder across the globe. The Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) has been shown to have considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study assessed the effect of this herbal product on alterations in inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines. METHOD: This study was conducted on the bank sample before and after the intervention to measure interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interferon -γ levels with the ELISA test method in a supernatant taken from the PBMC cell culture from 30 allergic rhinitis patients. RESULTS: The IL-4 level had no significant difference between the two groups before the treatment. However, it had a significant increase in the case group after the treatment. The IL-5 level was significantly higher in the case group before the treatment. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the case and control groups after the treatment. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups considering IFN-γ before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Consuming thyme with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and a decrease in IL-5 cytokine control inflammation and improvement in allergic rhinitis symptoms. Clinical trial details This clinical trial study was recorded at 22.5.2014 in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials code: (IRCT2016121823235N6) https://www.irct.ir/trial/19852.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Atopic diseases are global concerns in the today's industrialized world. Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic condition affecting 20% of individuals. This disorder is associated with remarkable morbidity and rising healthcare expenditure. AIM: Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of a plant Zataria multiflora (ZM) with the common name of Shirazi thyme, a randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the alleviation of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 allergic rhinitis patients were randomly and equally assigned to experimental and control groups. Afterwards, the case group was treated with an extract of ZM and the control group with placebo for 2 months. Finally, the clinical signs and symptoms before and after the treatment according to the SNOT22 questionnaire were analysed. RESULTS: Comparing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and an average score of SNOT22 questionnaire between the two groups before the intervention provided some difference, which was significantly greater after the treatment. Based on this questionnaire, our patients in the ZM syrup group had lower grades than before the treatment and experienced amelioration. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the significant effect of the ZM syrup in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, its use is highly recommended. Since allergic rhinitis is a multifactorial condition, the use of herbal antioxidants along with conventional treatment would result in a more effective improvement of the disease.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rhinitis, which occurs most commonly as allergic rhinitis and affects 20% of the world's population, is a major health care burden causing significant morbidity. Considering the high prevalence of allergic rhinitis and anti-inflammatory effects of thyme, a favorite condiment, we performed a randomized clinical trial to determine whether thyme can relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms and affect the expression of TH17- and T-regulatory cell- (Treg) related cytokines IL-17, TGF-ß, FOXP3, and IL-10. METHODS: Thirty patients with allergic rhinitis symptoms and positive skin prick test for common aero allergens were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The experimental group received thyme or Zataria multiflora (ZM) extracts and the control group received placebo for two months. Expression of IL-17, TGF-ß, FOXP3, and IL-10 was evaluated in all subjects by real-time PCR before and after intervention. RESULTS: After treatment IL-17 expression was significantly less in the ZM group than in controls (p<0.05), while TGF-ß, FOXP3, and IL-10, expression were not significantly changed. CONCLUSION: Given the significant effect of thyme in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and decrease IL-17 gene expression and because allergic rhinitis is a multifactorial disease, the administration of thyme extract along with conventional treatments may benefit allergic rhinitis sufferers.
