Ahead of print – article in press
Systematic Review
Herbal interventions for chronic asthma in adults and
children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
*Christopher E Clarka, Elizabeth Arnoldb, Toby J Lassersonb, Taixiang Wuc
a
Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry, Primary Care Research Group, Institute of Health Services Research, Exeter, Devon, UK
b
Cochrane Airways Group, St Georges, University of London, London, UK
c
Chinese Cochrane Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Received 9 September 2009 • Accepted 12 May 2010 • Online 18 July 2010
Abstract
AIMS: To assess the efficacy of herb and plant extracts in the management of asthma.
METHOD: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple database searches identified randomised placebo controlled trials of herbal
interventions reporting at least one primary outcome measure. Where possible data were combined for meta-analysis. Primary outcome
measures were lung function, exacerbations and reduction in corticosteroid use. Secondary outcome measures were symptoms and
symptom scores, use of reliever medications, changes in rates of consultation and adverse effects.
RESULTS: Twenty-six studies reporting on 20 herbal preparations were included. Two of six studies reporting change in FEV1 were positive.
Little data was available on frequency of exacerbations. For primary outcomes single studies of Boswellia, Mai-Men-Dong-Tang,
Pycnogenol, Jia-Wei-Si-Jun-Zi-Tang and Tylophora indica showed potential to improve lung function, and a study of 1.8-Cineol (eucalyptol)
showed reduced daily oral steroid dosage.
CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in symptoms were not strongly supported by objective changes. Most trials were of small sample size, short
duration, and poor methodology. Further adequately powered trials are needed to assess these compounds. Such trials should conform
to CONSORT guidance, report standardised spirometry, and use validated symptom and severity scores. No recommendations for herbal
treatment of asthma can be made from the current evidence.
Keywords
Asthma, herbal, complementary, systematic review, meta-analysis
* Corresponding author. Christopher E Clark Tel: +44 (0)1884 860205 Fax: +44 (0)1884 860887 Email: christopher.clark@pms.ac.uk | |
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