Study of Cymbopogon citratus for influenza: Randomized, double-blind.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical study of cymbopogan citratus in influenza
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Original source:
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Seema Pradeep
Professor & H.O.D., Dept. of Dravyaguna, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research, Bangalore, Karnataka
Mahesh C.D
Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research, Bangalore, Karnataka
Pravina Koteshwar
CMO, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical study of cymbopogan citratus in influenza
Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v7i2.539
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It has significant public health implications due to its ability to rapidly spread, particularly affecting the working population. The plant Cymbopogon citratus, or Lemon grass, has been cited in Ayurvedic texts for its medicinal properties, including antipyretic effects. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus in managing influenza symptoms through a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with participants aged 20 to 50 years.
Efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus
The study revealed promising results regarding the impact of Cymbopogon citratus on influenza symptoms. Patients in the trial group showed significantly better remission of associated influenza signs and symptoms compared to those receiving the placebo. Notably, symptoms such as chills, cough, fatigue, and body aches improved more rapidly in individuals receiving the herbal treatment. This suggests that Cymbopogon citratus has potential therapeutic benefits in managing influenza, warranting further research with larger sample sizes to confirm its effectiveness.
Significant Improvements in Fever and Associated Symptoms
Fever is a primary symptom of influenza, and while paracetamol was administered as a rescue medicine in both groups, the trial group exhibited a notable improvement in associated symptoms compared to the control. The mean temperatures decreased similarly in both groups, highlighting that while fever reduction was comparable, the overall symptom relief and quality of life were better among those treated with Cymbopogon citratus. The study utilized comprehensive scoring scales and follow-up methods to assess symptom progression over a week, reinforcing the herb's viability as an adjunct therapy in influenza management.
Conclusion
The findings from this clinical study indicate that Cymbopogon citratus demonstrates significant effects in alleviating symptoms of influenza, contributing to better patient outcomes. By confirming its efficacy as a natural remedy, the study advocates for increased awareness and incorporation of herbal medicines in influenza treatment protocols. The favorable safety profile and cost-effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus underline its potential role as an adjunct therapy in managing influenza, encouraging further exploration into its use in broader clinical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Cymbopogon citratus?
The study primarily evaluates the efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) in managing influenza symptoms, comparing its effects in a trial group to a control group receiving a placebo.
What were the inclusion criteria for the study participants?
Participants aged 20-50 with verified cases of influenza, presenting with fever of at least 100.4°F and one respiratory symptom within 48 hours of onset, were included in the study.
What were the main findings regarding Cymbopogon citratus and influenza symptoms?
The study found that patients in the trial group experienced significantly better remission of influenza signs and symptoms compared to the control group, suggesting that Cymbopogon citratus may be effective in treating influenza.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of Cymbopogon citratus for influenza: Randomized, double-blind.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
In this clinical study, Cymbopogon citratus was the primary drug being tested. Known commonly as Lemon grass, it exhibited significant efficacy in reducing influenza symptoms, providing better symptom remission compared to the placebo. The drug's properties were well-documented in Ayurveda literature. [source text or glossary: Drug].
2) Fever:
Fever was a primary symptom monitored in this study. Patients with a fever of �100.4°F were included. The drug showed efficacy in lowering fever when compared to the placebo. Both groups were allowed to take paracetamol as rescue medicine for fever management. [source text or glossary: Fever].
3) Pain:
Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale. The experimental group using Cymbopogon citratus showed significantly better results in pain alleviation compared to the control group, demonstrating the drug's potential benefits in managing pain associated with influenza symptoms. [source text or glossary: Pain].
4) Medicine:
Paracetamol was used as a rescue medicine in both groups for symptom relief. The herbal medicine, Cymbopogon citratus, demonstrated significant benefits in symptom remission in the trial group, showcasing the potential of herbal options in medical treatment. [source text or glossary: Medicine].
5) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
The Department of Dravyaguna at Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research was responsible for studying the pharmacological attributes of Cymbopogon citratus. This department played a critical role in authenticating and preparing the drug for clinical trials. [source text or glossary: Dravyaguna].
6) Karnataka:
The study was conducted in Karnataka, India, particularly at Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research in Bangalore. The region's local flora includes Cymbopogon citratus, facilitating its use in this research. [source text or glossary: Karnataka].
7) Disease:
Influenza, the disease targeted in this study, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by various strains of the influenza virus. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus in alleviating the symptoms of this disease. [source text or glossary: Disease].
8) Arka:
Arka of Cymbopogon citratus was the form of medication used in this clinical trial. It was prepared using a distillation process to obtain its therapeutic properties. Patients in the trial group received Arka thrice daily. [source text or glossary: Arka].
9) Viru:
[see source text or glossary: Viru].
10) India:
This clinical study was carried out in India, at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research in Bangalore. The country's rich tradition in Ayurveda provided a suitable backdrop for testing Cymbopogon citratus' therapeutic effects. [source text or glossary: India].
11) Lemon:
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as Lemon grass, was the plant used in this study. Its various pharmacological properties were explored and evaluated for efficacy against influenza symptoms. [source text or glossary: Lemon].
12) Pharmacological:
The study explored the pharmacological properties of Cymbopogon citratus, such as its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, which contribute to its efficacy in treating influenza. [source text or glossary: Pharmacological].
13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides the foundational knowledge for using Cymbopogon citratus as a therapeutic agent. The study aimed to validate its use as per Ayurvedic principles. [source text or glossary: Ayurveda].
14) Katu:
Katu is a property described in Ayurveda texts associated with Cymbopogon citratus. This spicy or pungent taste supports its role in managing fever and related symptoms through digestive and metabolic pathways. [source text or glossary: Katu].
15) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa refers to the taste of a substance in Ayurveda. Cymbopogon citratus is described as having Katu and Tikta Rasa, which are believed to help in managing fever and other symptoms of influenza. [source text or glossary: Rasa].
16) Discussion:
The Discussion section in the study interprets the results, emphasizing the pharmacological properties and traditional Ayurvedic uses of Cymbopogon citratus in providing symptom relief for influenza. [source text or glossary: Discussion].
17) Pregnant:
Pregnant women were not included in this clinical trial to avoid potential risks to both mother and child, focusing the study on a safer population group for initial testing. [source text or glossary: Pregnant].
18) Kannada:
[see source text or glossary: Kannada].
19) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of a substance in Ayurveda. Cymbopogon citratus is noted to have a Katu Vipaka, influencing its internal transformation and therapeutic pathway. [source text or glossary: Vipaka].
20) Uttara:
In the coastal region of Uttara Kannada district, Cymbopogon citratus is traditionally used by laborers for fever relief. This ethnobotanical knowledge supported its inclusion in the clinical trial. [see source text or glossary: Uttara].
21) Family:
Cymbopogon citratus belongs to the Poaceae family, a factual detail essential for botanical identification and categorization in research and traditional uses. [source text or glossary: Family].
22) Labour (Labor):
Labour class people in the Uttara Kannada district traditionally use Cymbopogon citratus for managing fever, demonstrating its practical, everyday application in herbal medicine. [source text or glossary: Labour].
23) Karma (Karman):
In Ayurveda, Karma refers to the action or therapeutic effects of a substance. Cymbopogon citratus has multiple Karmas like Jwaraghana (fever-reducing) and Swedajanana (inducing sweating). [source text or glossary: Karma].
24) Laghu:
Laghu is an Ayurvedic term signifying lightness, one of the properties of Cymbopogon citratus, contributing to its effectiveness in easing digestion and managing fever without causing heaviness. [source text or glossary: Laghu].
25) Tikta:
Tikta Rasa indicates a bitter taste in Ayurveda, which is one of the characteristics of Cymbopogon citratus. This property aids in its therapeutic usage for managing fever and other symptoms. [source text or glossary: Tikta].
26) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna Veerya signifies the hot potency of a substance in Ayurveda. Cymbopogon citratus' hot potency helps in pacifying Kapha and Vata doshas, aiding in fever reduction. [see source text or glossary: Ushna].
27) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush].
28) Guna:
Guna refers to the inherent qualities or properties of a substance in Ayurveda. Cymbopogon citratus has Laghu (light) and Teekshna (penetrating) Gunas that contribute to its therapeutic actions. [source text or glossary: Guna].
Other Science Concepts:
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Therapeutic effect, Herbal medicine, Pharmacological properties, Quality of life, Statistical result, Diagnostic criteria, Clinical trial, Placebo controlled clinical study, Cost-effective remedy, Randomized double-blind, INFECTED PERSON, Respiratory illness, Cymbopogon citratus, Adverse event, Ayurveda Classic, Acute respiratory illness, Rescue medicine.