Comparison of Zataria multiflora Extract Syrup and Diphenhydramine in the Treatment of Common Cold-Induced Cough in Children: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Management of cold-associated cough is a challenging aspect of supportive care for the common cold for pediatricians and parents worldwide. Herbal compounds have traditionally been used for the treatment of cold-related cough. Among these compounds, Zataria multiflora (ZM) has been found to be effective for cough relief. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare a thyme mixture with diphenhydramine in the treatment of cold-related cough in a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial. Patients and Methods: A total of 52 pediatric patients (2 -12 years old) with common colds were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups: one group received diphenhydramine compound and the other received ZM syrup, each for five days. The severity of cold-related symptoms and the efficacy of each drug were determined seven days later by asking the parents to complete a prepared questionnaire. sedation, sleepiness, a four-point scale of cough status, and a two-point scale of consumption convenience were also evaluated in these questionnaires. Results: Our results showed that sedation and sleepiness occurred in 30.8% and 19.2% of the patients in the diphenhydramine and ZM groups, respectively (P = 0.54). Also, 65.4% and 84.6% of the patients in the diphenhydramine and ZM groups, respectively, reported convenient usage (P = 0.10). The patients who received ZM syrup had significantly better outcomes (P = 0.036). Conclusions: Herbal compounds, such as ZM mixtures, are acceptably efficacious in cough relief with fewer adverse effects than chemical compounds in the treatment of cold-related cough, especially in infants and younger children.

A Randomized, Doubled‐Blind Clinical Trial on the Effect of Zataria multiflora on Clinical Symptoms, Oxidative Stress, and C‐Reactive Protein in COPD Patients

“…19 The results of a clinical trial also indicated that treatment with Z. multiflora for 5 days led to improvement in respiratory symptoms because of the common cold in children aged 2-12 years compared with the diphenhydramine compound. 6 The current results also showed that a 2-month treatment with 2 doses of Z. multiflora extract resulted in increased FEV 1 , whereas it did not show a significant effect on MMEF. The results of clinical trials performed on asthmatic patients and sulfur mustard-exposed veterans confirmed the findings of the present study.…”

“…In a previous study, Z. multiflora similarly improved respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing during the day and during exercise in asthmatic patients after a 2‐month treatment, which supports the results of the current study 19 . The results of a clinical trial also indicated that treatment with Z. multiflora for 5 days led to improvement in respiratory symptoms because of the common cold in children aged 2‐12 years compared with the diphenhydramine compound 6 …”

“…This plant contains important phenolic components such as carvacrol and thymol, and its therapeutic effects are likely because of the presence of these compounds 3 . Z. multiflora has a long history in traditional and pharmaceutical uses and showed anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, smooth muscle relaxant, antidiarrheal, and antitussive effects 4‐6 . Several pharmacological effects were shown for this plant including the effects on respiratory system conditions such as cough, bronchitis, respiratory disorders of chemical war victims, 7,8 lung inflammation and pathological changes and emphysema in animal models, 9 gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, and colon inflammation, 10,11 and inflammatory diseases including acute and chronic inflammation 1 .…”

“…3 Z. multiflora has a long history in traditional and pharmaceutical uses and showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, smooth muscle relaxant, antidiarrheal, and antitussive effects. [4][5][6] Several pharmacological effects were shown for this plant including the effects on respiratory system conditions such as cough, bronchitis, respiratory disorders of chemical war victims, 7,8 lung inflammation and pathological changes and emphysema in animal models, 9 gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, and colon inflammation, 10,11 and inflammatory diseases including acute and chronic inflammation. 1 However, mild side effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stimulation of mucosal membranes, and dermatitis were described for this plant.…”

The effect of Zataria multiflora on respiratory allergic and immunologic disorders, experimental and clinical evidence: A comprehensive review

“…There are some clinical reviews that confirmed the efficacy of different formulations from Z. multiflora extract and essential oil in the treatment of acute cough (Hosseini et al, 2016;Mahboubi, 2018aMahboubi, , 2018b.…”