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Herbal Medicines for Allergic Rhinitis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

  • Rhinosinusitis (J Mullol, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To assess the effects of herbal medicine (HM) therapy in various durations and analyze the effects of HM separately by mechanism of action in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

Recent Findings

Thirty-two studies were included (2,697 patients, mean age 34.6 years). For the ≤ 4 weeks of treatment duration, HM brought greater benefits over placebo in reduction of total nasal symptoms score (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.98, −0.38; p <0.01) and improvement in Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (SMD −0.53; 95% CI −0.81, −0.25; p <0.01). For the 4–12 weeks duration, total nasal symptoms score (SMD −0.22; 95%CI −0.4, −0.05; p =0.01) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (SMD −0.48; 95% CI −0.89, −0.06; p =0.03) favored the HM. However, HM therapy for longer than 12 weeks was related to tachyphylaxis and showed no benefit over placebo in any outcomes. There was no difference between the HM and standard treatment on symptoms improvement. Anti-allergic effect, anti-inflammatory effect, anti-leukotriene effect, and anti-histaminic effect of HM were revealed. HM was safe and their adverse effects were comparable placebo.

Summary

HM therapy is safe and provides better results than placebo in improving nasal symptoms and disease-specific quality of life in patients with AR. Its beneficial effects are demonstrated only in less than 12 weeks of treatment.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO ID: CRD42020168367

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Minh Phuoc Hoang & Kornkiat Snidvongs

  2. Endoscopic Nasal and Sinus Surgery Excellent Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

    Minh Phuoc Hoang & Kornkiat Snidvongs

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam

    Minh Phuoc Hoang

  4. Center of excellence in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

    Wirach Chitsuthipakorn

  5. Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Wirach Chitsuthipakorn

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Contributions

Minh P. Hoang: study design, search, study selection, data collection, data analysis, drafting the article, and final approval.

Wirach Chitsuthipakorn: search, study selection, data collection, revising the article, and final approval.

Kornkiat Snidvongs: conception, study design, data analysis, drafting the article, and final approval.

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Correspondence to Kornkiat Snidvongs.

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Conflict of Interest

Kornkiat Snidvongs has served on speakers’ bureau for Merck Sharp Dolme, Mylan, GSK, and Menarini. Minh Phuoc Hoang and Wirach Chitsuthipakorn declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Hoang, M.P., Chitsuthipakorn, W. & Snidvongs, K. Herbal Medicines for Allergic Rhinitis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 21, 25 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-021-00999-9

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