Razi Institute for Drug Research (RIDR) of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS)
Abstract
The present investigation was carried out to determine the efficacy and
safety of Lepidium sativum (L. sativum) (Garden Cress, Fam: Cruciferae)
in patients of bronchial asthma. L. sativum seed powder was given at a
dose of 1 gm thrice a day orally to 30 patients of either sex in the
range of 15-80 years with mild to moderate bronchial asthma without any
concurrent medication. The respiratory functions (FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75%
and MVV) were assessed using a spirometer prior to and after 4 weeks of
treatment. Efficacy of the drug in improving clinical symptoms and
severity of asthmatic attacks was evaluated by interviewing the patient
and by physical and hematological examination at the end of the
treatment. 4 weeks treatment with the drug showed statistically
significant improvement in various parameters of pulmonary functions in
asthmatic subjects. Also significant improvement was observed in
clinical symptoms and severity of asthmatic attacks. None of the
patient showed any adverse effect with L. sativum. The results of the
present study suggest the usefulness of L. sativum seeds in patients
with bronchial asthma