"Efficacy and Safety of Phlai Capsule Compared to Placebo as the Treatment in Allergic Rhinitis Patients"

Background: Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., frequently known as Phlai in Thai, has been safely used as an antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory drug in Thai traditional medicine. Individual with allergic rhinitis may have positive response to Phlai. Objective: Investigators assessed the efficacy and safety of Phlai as a treatment for allergic rhinitis Design: The study was a 1-month, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, intent-to-treat, multicenter, controlled trial in 267 patients at 7 hospitals in Thailand. Skin prick test-positive adults with allergic rhinitis ages 18 to 50 who were randomized into 3 groups (Phlai 8mg/d, Phlai 4mg/d, placebo). Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was defined: improvement of total 5 symptoms scores (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy eyes) over a 4-week interval among Phlai 8mg/d, Phlai 4mg/d and placebo. Secondary endpoints were: assessments of rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, peak inspiratory nasal flow, nasal examination, adverse events, AST, ALT, Creatinine and BUN over a period of 4 weeks.