Lyophilized Cyclamen europaeum tuber extract in the treatment of rhinosinusitis.

Nasal and sinus mucositis is a significant health problem associated with significant organizational and financial burden for the health care system. In recent years, several important guidelines and positions of expert groups and scientific associations have been published with regard to the diagnostics and treatment of rhinosinusitis, including European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2012) [1] and Polish Standards for the Treatment of Rhinitis (PoSLeNN 2013) [2]. The management of viral and postviral rhinosinusitis involves systemic treatment including administration of plant origin products. The goal of this article is to present the current knowledge on the use of intranasal preparations containing natural saponin fractions from the rhizomes of Alpine cyclamen (Cyclamen europaeum). Saponins contained in the extract of Alpine cyclamen (Cyclamen europaeum) rhizomes are surface-active compounds that reduce the surface tension on the nasal mucosal cells while simultaneously stimulating the trigeminal nerve receptors leading to increased production of seromucous secretion and extensive drainage of the nasal and sinus cavities. The analysis of published studies on the efficacy and safety of intranasal products containing lyophilized extracts from Cyclamen europaeum tuber warrants the conclusion that these products are useful in the management of nasal and sinus mucositis due to their beneficial impact on the course of the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. When used in patients with acute rhinosinusitis, an intranasal preparation containing lyophilized extracts from Cyclamen europaeum tuber efficiently reduces the symptoms, particularly the feeling of pressure and pain in the face. According to the authors of PROSINUS study, single-agent treatment using Cyclamen europaeum extracts is more efficient (in terms of the percentage of success) than other monotherapy or combination regimens.