Zataria multiflora affects clinical symptoms, oxidative stress and cytokines in asthmatic patient: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial.

Z. multiflora effect on clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), oxidative stress and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients were evaluated. 36 asthmatic patients were divided to; placebo group (P), two groups treated with Z. multiflora extract (5 and 10 mg/kg/day, as Z5 and Z10, respectively), (n = 12 in each group). Medications were administered three times a day for two months and several parameters were evaluated before treatment (step 0), one (step 1) and two months (step 2) after treatment. Clinical symptoms and PFTs were significantly improved in Z5 and Z10 groups in steps 1 and 2 compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Improvement of oxidative stress, cytokines levels and their gene expression after treatment with both doses of extract were observed in step 2 compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). These results indicated therapeutic value of Z. multiflora for the management of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]