Efficacy of nutritional supplement (Haras) on carbon monoxide levels in smokers and non-smokers: An observational study.

Context: Carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in exhaled air may impart a quick, non-invasive method to determine smoking status. Haras is a nutraceutical medication, which is slowly gaining recognition for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Aims: The effectiveness of the Haras therapy in smokers and non-smokers will be assessed by evaluating breath CO levels. Methods and Materials: The study included 101 test subjects with 76 subjects of smokers and 25 subjects of non-smokers. Both the test groups were given 10 mL of Haras juice in divided doses per day for 30 days. The CO levels were evaluated using a breath analyser before drug trial and then on the 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd and after the conclusion of the drug trial. Statistical Analysis Used: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the CO and carboxyhemoglobin levels among smokers and non-smokers. Results: Smokers had higher mean percent carboxyhemoglobin and mean parts per million CO values than non-smokers, and the difference between the two was shown to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). It was also found to be statistically significant from the first day to the eighth day, the first day to the 15^th day, the first day to the 20^th second day, first day to the 30^th day (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Haras can be used effectively as an alternative supportive treatment for the diminution of CO levels in smokers and non-smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]