title: Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of grapeseed extract in the treatment of fall seasonal allergic rhinitis: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Herbal products are widely used by consumers as alternatives to prescription drugs in treating symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, there have been few placebo-controlled clinical trials that have examined the efficacy or safety of these products. Although grapeseed extract (GSE) is an herbal that is marketed for treating allergic rhinitis, its efficacy is unproven.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of GSE with placebo in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of GSE 100 mg, twice daily, versus placebo. Patients with SAR and skin prick test sensitivity to ragweed were randomized to 8 weeks of active treatment or placebo which was begun before the ragweed pollen season. Outcomes included: daily symptom diary scores recorded by patients, rhinitis quality of life scores at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment; and requirements for rescue chlorpheniramine. Safety was monitored with routine laboratory studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 8 weeks of treatment, no significant differences were observed between active and placebo groups in rhinitis quality of life assessments, symptom diary scores, or requirements for rescue antihistamine. No significant laboratory abnormalities were detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study did not show trends supporting the efficacy of GSE in the treatment of SAR.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267, USA.
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Cheryl K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Chunqin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Deng
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: I Leonard
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Jonathan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bernstein
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shukla
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D027843:Vitis
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts