Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis

The efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) extract in patients of allergic rhinitis was assessed in a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Seventy-five patients were randomly given either TC or placebo for 8 weeks. They were clinically examined and Hb %, TLC, DLC and nasal smear was done. At the end of trial baseline investigations were repeated, drug decoded and results analyzed. With TC treatment 100% relief was reported from sneezing in 83% patients, in 69% from nasal discharge, in 61 % from nasal obstruction and in 7 1 % from nasal pruritus. In placebo group, there was no relief in 79% from sneezing, in 84.8% from nasal discharge, in 83% from nasal obstruction, and in 88% from nasal pruritus. The difference between TC and placebo groups was highly significant. TLC increased in 69% patients in drug treated group and in only 11% with placebo. After TC, eosinophil and neutrophil count decreased and goblet cells were absent in nasal smear. After placebo, decrease in eosinophil and neutrophil count was marginal and goblet cells were present. TC significantly decreased all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Nasal smear cytology and leukocyte count correlated with clinical findings. TC was well tolerated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.