Abstract

AN OPEN LABELLED CLINICAL STUDY TO ACCESS THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF SHARBAT-E-EJAZ A POLYHERBAL UNANI FORMULATION IN PATIENTS WITH DRY COUGH

Huma Rafiq*, Sabia, Towseef Amin Rafeeqi, Shaista Urooj and Shabir Bhat

ABSTRACT

Objective: The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a polyhedral Unani formulation in patients of Dry cough. Background: Cough is a natural reflex expulsive defence mechanism of the body, for clearing excessive secretions or inhaled irritants from the respiratory tract. Dry cough, a common presentation of respiratory diseases is the most common symptom for seeking medical care as it can adversely effects the quality of life. Since the drugs available in modern medicine produce varying adverse effects therefore traditional medicines including Unani medicine are now being seen with an eye of great interest and hope. Unani medicine claims to possess effective treatment for the management of dry cough and suggest an array of medicament for the purpose. Herein we have evaluated the efficacy and safety of Sharbat-e-jaz, one of the potential Unani formulations in patients with dry cough. Methods: An uncontrolled open labelled clinical study was conducted on 75 subjects with Dry cough of less than 3 weeks duration. The patients were clinically monitored for safety and efficacy through 2 weeks of treatment written informed consent was taken prior to the study and case sheets were maintained separately for each patient. Safety was assessed on pathological and biochemical parameters whereas efficacy was assessed on Cough Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was done by paired students test. Results: After two weeks of treatment the efficacy of the drug was significant (p < 0.05) in the pre and post treatment VAS scores. The test drug has shows an good anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, soothing the respiratory tract and relieving the symptoms. There was an significant reduction in VAS score after two weeks of treatment. There was no adverse effected reported or observed in the studied parameters. Conclusion: The polyherbal formulation was found effective in the management of Dry cough with no side effects reported.

Keywords: Dry cough, Sharbat-e-jaz, Unani System of medicine, Respiratory diseases.