Two-month treatment with Zataria multiflora affected inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function testes and respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Abstract

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) t has been also used to relieve cough in common cold and respiratory tract disorders with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The effects of Z. multiflora extract on inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and respiratory symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients were investigated. COPD patients (41 cases) were divided to three groups including placebo group (P) and groups received 3 and 6 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract (Z3 and Z6) for two months. Inflammatory cytokines, PFT values, and respiratory symptoms were assessed before treatment (stage 0), one (stage I) and two (stage II) months after treatment. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly decreased after two months treatment compared to baseline values in Z3 and Z6 groups. The PFT values including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were significantly increased during two months treatment with Z3 and Z6. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) was also significantly increased after one-month treatment with Z6. The respiratory symptoms including cough, chest tightness, modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale were significantly improved after one and two treatments with both doses of Z. multiflora compared to baseline values. The results suggest the potential therapeutic effect of Z. multiflora in COPD patients through reduction of inflammatory cytokines, increasing PFT values and improvement of respiratory symptoms.