Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis using Shi-Bi-Lin, a Chinese herbal formula.
OBJECTIVE
Shi-Bi-Lin (SBL) is modified from the classic formula Cang-Er-Zi-San which has been used to treat chronic rhinitis, paranasal sinusitis and allergic rhinitis by herbal practitioners. The present study aimed at patients with moderate to severe perennial allergic rhinitis. SBL which has been shown effective in treating a guinea-pig model of allergic rhinitis, was evaluated for its efficacy and safety.


METHODS
126 allergic rhinitis patients were recruited in a double-blind randomized control trial. Half of the patients received SBL capsules and the others half received placebo for 4 weeks. Symptoms scores, physician's evaluation, nose examination, quality of life, adverse effects, serum cytokines were evaluated before and after treatment.


RESULTS
SBL was found to be safe and effective in relieving some symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, improving the nose condition, and enhancing some domains of quality of life when compare to placebo, (p<0.05). In the 2 weeks follow up after treatment completion, the SBL enjoyed a prolongation of symptom control (p=0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
SBL relieved symptoms of nose blockage among patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, and some aspects of the quality of life were also improved. The improvement was sustained for at least 2 weeks after treatment. No serious adverse events were encountered.
Zhao
Yu
Y
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PR China.
Woo
Kong Sang
KS
Ma
Kwong Hon
KH
van Hansselt
Charles Andrew
CA
Wong
Ka Chun
KC
Cheng
King Fai
KF
Lam
Christopher Wai Kei
CW
Leung
Ping Chung
PC
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D019684:Magnoliopsida; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010936:Plant Extracts; C503350:Shi-Bi-Lin herbal formula; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein