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Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
Published in: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Investigating the effectiveness of the Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seeds in mild asthma: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Majid Emtiazy, Laleh Oveidzadeh, Minoo Habibi, Leila Molaeipour, Daryush Talei, Zahra jafari, Mahmoud Parvin, Mohammad Kamalinejad

Published in: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Asthma is one of the important chronic diseases. The asthma prevalence is increasing in last decades. Despite the presence of good controller drugs like corticosteroids, about 60% of asthmatic patients use alternative medicine. This study was done to determine the effectiveness of Tregonella foenum graceum (fenugreek) seeds in mild asthma.

Methods

It is a double blind trial with placebo effect. One of the ancient prescriptions from Persian Medicine was selected. The participants were divided to three groups randomly. On group received fenugreek syrup one received honey syrup and the third received placebo. Duration of treatment was 4 weeks. Quality of life, Lung function tests and IL-4 levels were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results

From 90 participants to study 79 completed the process. After study there was significant increase in quality of the life and lung function tests and IL-4 levels in fenugreek and honey groups.

Conclusion

FEV1 level was improved more than 10% in fenugreek group. Treatment was well tolerated. No serious side effects were reported during the study. The aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds appears to be effective and safe in treatment of mild asthma.
Trial registration The study was recorded with the Iranian Registry of Clinical trials [http://​www.​irci.​ir], registration code: IRCT2016011325991N1
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Investigating the effectiveness of the Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seeds in mild asthma: a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Majid Emtiazy
Laleh Oveidzadeh
Minoo Habibi
Leila Molaeipour
Daryush Talei
Zahra jafari
Mahmoud Parvin
Mohammad Kamalinejad
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1710-1492
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-018-0238-9

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