Glycyrrhiza glabra versus Boswellia carterii in chronic bronchial asthma: A comparative study of efficacy

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a clinical syndrome with variable causes. It characterizes by episodes of broncho-constriction which leads to shortness of breath. In traditional medicine, some medicinal plants have been used to cure the asthmatic symptoms. We evaluate the bronchorelaxant effect of Boswellia carterii (Olibanum) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) then to choose the better. 54 patients with chronic bronchial asthma were participated. After clinical assessment, estimation of pulmonary function tests and serum electrolytes: calcium, magnesium, potassium and selenium were done before and after the study. Boswellia carterii was given to 18 patients and glycyrrhiza glabra to another 18 patients while prednisolone was given to another 18 patients as control for 21 days. The results showed that the tested plants had significant elevation in the values of forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1%) as (72.45±5.83 vs 61.33±6.04 and 81.10±11.07 vs 62.30±7.22) for olibanum and licorice respectively. Also, elevation in the values of forced volume capacity (FVC) with marked reduction in asthmatic attacks as (2.63±0.82 vs 0.72±0.16, 3.60±0.02 vs 1.08±0.08, and 2.25±0.16 vs 1.05± 0.15) for olibanum licorice and prednisolone respectively, but showed better symptomatic improvement with licorice as compared to olibanum. The results prove the superiority of glycyrrhiza glabra over boswellia carterii for chronic bronchial asthma.