Zataria multiflora affects clinical symptoms, oxidative stress and cytokines in asthmatic patient: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial

Background: Z. multiflora effect on clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), oxidative stress and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients were evaluated. Methods: 36 asthmatic patients were divided to; placebo group (P), two groups treated with Z. multiflora extract (5 and 10 mg/kg/day, as Z5 and Z10, respectively), (n = 12 in each group). Medications were administered three times a day for two months and several parameters were evaluated before treatment (step 0), one (step 1) and two months (step 2) after treatment. Results: Clinical symptoms and PFTs were significantly improved in Z5 and Z10 groups in steps 1 and 2 compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Improvement of oxidative stress, cytokines levels and their gene expression after treatment with both doses of extract were observed in step 2 compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results indicated therapeutic value of Z. multiflora for the management of asthma.