year 21, Issue 81 (3-2022)                   J. Med. Plants 2022, 21(81): 51-66 | Back to browse issues page

Research code: 1339
Ethics code: IR.BMSU.REC.1399.036
Clinical trials code: IRCT20080901001157N16


XML Persian Abstract Print


Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

Fallah Huseini H, Gholibeikian M, Shohrati M, Kaffash A, Taheri A, Khajepour H, et al . Effects of Imfluna, an Iranian traditional polyherbal medicine, on COVID-19 symptoms: A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial. J. Med. Plants 2022; 21 (81) :51-66
URL: http://jmp.ir/article-1-3193-en.html
1- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
2- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran
3- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah Uiversity of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzavar, Iran
5- Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6- Department of Radiology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
8- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
9- Medicine Quran and Hadith Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , reza_mohtashami1979@bmsu.ac.ir
Abstract:   (2944 Views)
Background: The current pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severity of the infection and high mortality have almost unprecedented challenges in the health systems of most countries around the world. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Iranian traditional polyherbal medicine (Imfluna) containing a mixture of echinacea, stachys, artemisia, hyssopus, polybody, alpinia, ginger, and ginseng extract on symptoms of COVID-19 infected patients. Methods: In this placebocontrolled and double-blind clinical trial, a total of 60 voluntarily approved patients with COVID-19 were randomly assigned to the placebo and Imfluna groups. Patients in each group, in addition to receiving standard medications, took two 500 mg capsules of Imflona or placebo every 8 hours for 2 weeks. The patient's vital signs, including the severity of shortness of breath, cough, and body temperature, were recorded during the study. Also blood ESR, liver and kidney function tests were performed at baseline and endpoint. Results: The results showed that patients in the Imfluna-treated group had significantly greater improvement in daily cough, shortness of breath and ESR compared with the placebo group. In addition, lung lesions improved in the Imfluna-treated group, although not significantly. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 who were treated with Imfluna for 2 weeks had better comfort and fewer symptoms associated with the disease with no any drug side effects.
Full-Text [PDF 653 kb]   (925 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Traditional Pharmacy & Traditional Medicine
Received: 2021/09/15 | Accepted: 2022/01/22 | Published: 2022/03/1

References
1. Raoult D, Zumla A, Locatelli F, Ippolito G and Kroemer G. Coronavirus infections: Epidemiological, clinical and immunological features and hypotheses. Cell Stress 2020; 4(4): 66. [DOI:10.15698/cst2020.04.216]
2. Raoult D, Hsueh P-R, Stefani S and Rolain J-M. COVID-19 therapeutic and prevention. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 2020; 55(4): 105937. [DOI:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105937]
3. Melenotte C, Silvin A, Goubet A-G, Lahmar I, Dubuisson A, Zumla A, Raoult D, Merad M, Gachot B and Hénon C. Immune responses during COVID-19 infection. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9(1): 1807836. [DOI:10.1080/2162402X.2020.1807836]
4. Devaux CA, Rolain J-M, Colson P and Raoult D. New insights on the antiviral effects of chloroquine against coronavirus: what to expect for COVID-19? International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 2020; 55(5): 105938. [DOI:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105938]
5. Xiong w-z, Wang G, Du G, Ai W. Efficacy of herbal medicine (Xuanfei Baidu decoction) combined with conventional drug in treating COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Integr Med Res. 2020; (3): 100489. [DOI:10.1016/j.imr.2020.100489]
6. Yuki K, Fujiogi M and Koutsogiannaki S. COVID-19 pathophysiology: A review. Clinical Immunology 2020; 215: 108427. [DOI:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108427]
7. Kenari HM, Yousefsani BS, Eghbalian F, Ghobadi A, Jamshidi AH and Mahroozade S. Herbal recommendations for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms according to Persian medicine. Journal of Medicinal Plants 2021; 20 (77): 1-14. [DOI:10.52547/jmp.20.77.1]
8. Manavari SHR HR, Norouzbabaei Z, Adibi L, Norouzi M, Ziaei SA. Investigation of antiviral effects of twenty-five species of different genera of medicinal plants Iran 1386; Iranian Journal of Medical Microbiology 1386; 1(2): 49-59.
9. HajiSharifi A. Guide to identifying and using medicinal plants and treating various diseases. In: In Secrets of Herbal Medicine. Noskh-e-Shafa. Vol 1. Tehran, Iran: Hafez Novin Press; 2003, 107, 210, 390, 486, 498, 562, 592, 600.
10. Barnes J, Anderson LA, Gibbons S and Phillipson JD. Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2005; 57(8): 929-954. [DOI:10.1211/0022357056127]
11. Silveira D, Prieto-Garcia JM, Boylan F, Estrada O, Fonseca-Bazzo YM, Jamal CM, Magalhães PO, Pereira EO, Tomczyk M and Heinrich M. COVID-19: is there evidence for the use of herbal medicines as adjuvant symptomatic therapy? Frontiers in Pharmacol. 2020; 11: 1479. [DOI:10.3389/fphar.2020.581840]
12. Hajhashemi V, Ghannadi A and Sedighifar S. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroalcoholic, polyphenolic and boiled extracts of Stachys lavandulifolia. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 2007; 1(2): 92-98.
13. Pillai MK, Young DJ and Bin Hj Abdul Majid HM. Therapeutic potential of Alpinia officinarum. Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2018; 18(14): 1220-1232. [DOI:10.2174/1389557517666171002154123]
14. Hou L-F, He S-J, Wang J-X, Yang Y, Zhu F-H, Zhou Y, He P-L, Zhang Y, Yang Y-F and Li Y. SM934, a water-soluble derivative of arteminisin, exerts immunosuppressive functions in vitro and in vivo. International Immunopharmacology 2009; 9(13-14): 1509-17. [DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2009.09.003]
15. Ang L, Song E, Lee HW and Lee MS. Herbal medicine for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020; 9(5): 1583. [DOI:10.3390/jcm9051583]
16. Im K, Kim J and Min H. Ginseng, the natural effectual antiviral: Protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against viral infection. Journal of Ginseng Research 2016; 40(4): 309-314. [DOI:10.1016/j.jgr.2015.09.002]
17. Qian GP, Yang YW and Ren QL. Determination of artemisinin in Artemisia annua L. by reversed phase HPLC. Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies 2005; 28(5): 705-712. [DOI:10.1081/JLC-200048890]
18. Yoo KM, Lee CH, Lee H, Moon B and Lee CY. Relative antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of common herbs. Food Chemistry 2008; 106(3): 929-936. [DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.07.006]
19. Kim D-O, Jeong SW and Lee CY. Antioxidant capacity of phenolic phytochemicals from various cultivars of plums. Food Chemistry 2003; 81(3): 321-326. [DOI:10.1016/S0308-8146(02)00423-5]
20. Watkins ML, Wilcox TK, Tabberer M, Brooks JM, Donohue JF, Anzueto A, Chen W-H and Crim C. Shortness of Breath with Daily Activities questionnaire: validation and responder thresholds in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BMJ open. 2013; 3(10): e003048. [DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003048]
21. Hsu J, Stone R, Logan-Sinclair R, Worsdell M, Busst C and Chung K. Coughing frequency in patients with persistent cough: assessment using a 24 hour ambulatory recorder. European Respiratory Journal. 1994; 7(7): 1246-1253. [DOI:10.1183/09031936.94.07071246]
22. Mesri M, Saber SSE, Godazi M, Shirdel AR, Montazer R, Koohestani HR, Baghcheghi N, Karimy M and Azizi N. The effects of combination of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea on alleviation of clinical symptoms and hospitalization rate of suspected COVID-19 outpatients: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 2021. [DOI:10.1515/jcim-2020-0283]
23. Ye Q, Wang B and Mao J. The pathogenesis and treatment of theCytokine Storm'in COVID-19. Journal of Infection 2020; 80(6): 607-613. [DOI:10.1016/j.jinf.2020.03.037]
24. Sharma M, Anderson SA, Schoop R and Hudson JB. Induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea, a potent antiviral herbal extract. Antiviral Research 2009; 83(2): 165-170. [DOI:10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.04.009]
25. Woelkart K and Bauer R. The role of alkamides as an active principle of Echinacea. Planta medica. 2007; 73(07): 615-623. [DOI:10.1055/s-2007-981531]
26. Dar PA, Sofi G and Jafri M. Polypodium vulgare linn. A versatile herbal medicine: A review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2012; 3(6): 1616.
27. İşcan G, Demirci B, Demirci F, Göger F, Kırımer N, Köse YB and Başer KHC. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Stachys lavandulifolia subsp. lavandulifolia essential oil and its infusion. Natural Product Communications 2012; 7(9): 1934578X1200700 937. [DOI:10.1177/1934578X1200700937]
28. Abubakar IB, Malami I, Yahaya Y and Sule SM. A review on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Alpinia officinarum Hance. Journal of Ethnopharmacol. 2018; 224: 45-62. [DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2018.05.027]
29. Honmore VS, Kandhare AD, Kadam PP, Khedkar VM, Sarkar D, Bodhankar SL, Zanwar AA, Rojatkar SR and Natu AD. Isolates of Alpinia officinarum Hance as COX-2 inhibitors: Evidence from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and molecular docking studies. International Immunopharmacology 2016; 33: 8-17. [DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2016.01.024]
30. Yuki K, Fujiogi M and Koutsogiannaki S. COVID-19 pathophysiology: A review. Clinical Immunology. 2020: 108427. [DOI:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108427]
31. Li G, Yuan M, Li H, Deng C, Wang Q, Tang Y, Zhang H, Yu W, Xu Q and Zou Y. Safety and efficacy of artemisinin-piperaquine for treatment of COVID-19: an open-label, non-randomised and controlled trial. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 2021; 57(1): 106216. [DOI:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106216]
32. Khan MAA, Jain D, Bhakuni R, Zaim M and Thakur R. Occurrence of some antiviral sterols in Artemisia annua. Plant Science 1991; 75(2): 161-165. [DOI:10.1016/0168-9452(91)90230-6]
33. Shariatpanahi ZV, Mokhtari M, Taleban FA, Alavi F, Surmaghi MHS, Mehrabi Y and Shahbazi S. Effect of enteral feeding with ginger extract in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Journal of Critical Care 2013; 28(2): 217. e211-217. e216. [DOI:10.1016/j.jcrc.2012.04.017]
34. Aryaeian N and Tavakkoli H. Ginger and its effects on inflammatory diseases. Adv Food Technol. Nutr. Sci. Open J. 2015; 1(4): 97-101. [DOI:10.17140/AFTNSOJ-1-117]
35. Anti-viral activity of the methanolic leaf extract of an Iranian medicinal plant Hyssopus officinalis against herpes simplex virus. J. Med. Plant Res. 2010; 3(12):1118-1125.
36. Ha K-C, Kim M-G, Oh M-R, Choi E-K, Back H-I, Kim S-Y, Park E-O, Kwon D-Y, Yang H-J and Kim M-J. A placebo-controlled trial of Korean red ginseng extract for preventing influenza-like illness in healthy adults. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012; 12(1): 1-6. [DOI:10.1186/1472-6882-12-10]
37. Kim H, Jang M, Kim Y, Choi J, Jeon J and Kim J. Red ginseng and vitamin C increase immune cell activity and decrease lung inflammation induced by influenza A virus/H1N1 infection. 2016; 68(3): 406-420. [DOI:10.1111/jphp.12529]

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:
CAPTCHA

Send email to the article author


Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

© 2024 CC BY-NC 4.0 | Journal of Medicinal Plants

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb