Thuja Occidentalis Research Articles

Impact of white-tailed deer on northern white cedar recruitment beyond the browsing vulnerability zone: A broad-scale study

By selectively feeding on the new vegetation from forest regeneration, cervids influence the abundance of understory species. This can lead to recruitment failure for the consumed species. The impact of cervids on regeneration is generally studied at fine scales, making it difficult to generalize about the species distribution scale for co-occurring cervid and tree species. This is especially problematic for species such as northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.), which is susceptible to browsing and has been declining throughout much of its range. In our study, we aimed to determine the effect of the spatio-temporal variations in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) abundance on northern white cedar recruitment over a broad spatial scale. We combined distinct forest and wildlife monitoring databases for two Canadian provinces, Québec and New Brunswick. We also surveyed cedar regeneration and deer browsing pressure in a subset of plots located in Québec. In both provinces, we detected a negative effect of deer abundance and deeryard proximity on the recruitment of cedar saplings. In Québec, local deer browsing pressure also had a negative effect on cedar seedling abundance. As deer browsing pressure can vary considerably over a short distance, we recommend the inclusion of browsing indicators in national forest surveys to precisely assess the impact of browsing on regeneration and recruitment. This would allow managers to identify areas that are highly vulnerable to browsing and adapt forest management accordingly to reduce browsing-induced regeneration failures.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Potential of Selected Plant-Derived Homeopathic Medicines for their Action against Cervical Cancer.

Plant-derived homeopathic medicines (HMs) are cheap and commercially available but are mechanistically less explored entities than conventional medicines. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of selected plant-derived HMs derived from Berberis aquifolium (BA), Berberis vulgaris (BV), Mentha piperita (MP), Curcuma longa (CL), Cinchona officinalis (CO), Thuja occidentalis (TO) and Hydrastis canadensis (HC) on cervical cancer (CaCx) cells in vitro. We screened the mother tincture (MT) and 30C potencies of the above-mentioned HMs for anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity on human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative (C33a) and HPV-positive CaCx cells (SiHa and HeLa) by MTT assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) and the free-radical scavenging activity of each HM was also determined using standard assays. Phytochemicals reportedly available in these HMs were examined for their potential inhibitory action on HPV16 E6 by in silico molecular docking. All tested MTs induced a differential dose-dependent cytotoxic response that varied with cell line. For C33a cells, the order of response was TO > CL > BA > BV > HC > MP > CO, whereas for SiHa and HeLa cells the order was HC > MP > TO > CO > BA > BV > CL and CL > BA > CO, respectively. 30C potencies of all HMs showed an inconsistent response. Further, anti-CaCx responses displayed by MTs did not follow the order of an HM's phenolic content or free radical scavenging activity. Analysis revealed anti-oxidant content of BA, BV and HC had the lowest contribution to their anti-CaCx activity. Using in silico modeling of molecular docking between the HPV16 E6 protein crystallographic structures (6SJA and 4XR8) and main phytochemical components of BV, BA, HC, CL and TO, their potential to inhibit the HPV16 E6 protein carcinogenic interactions was identified. The study has shown a comparative evaluation of the potential of several plant-derived MTs and HMs to affect CaCx cell line survival in vitro (through cytotoxicity and free radical scavenging) and their theoretical molecular targets in silico for the first time. Data demonstrated that MTs of BA and BV are likely to be the most potent HMs that strongly inhibited CaCx growth and have a strong anti-HPV phytochemical constitution.

Escape Game: Responses of Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) to an Extreme Reduction in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) Population

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) is a species of high ecological and economic value whose abundance has been declining since the pre-industrial period. It is an important element of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) habitat, but its regeneration can be compromised by excessive browsing. This situation is especially critical in deeryards, where deer concentrate during winter. In 2018 and 2019, deer culling operations were carried out by the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks of Québec over 400 km2 in response to the occurrence of chronic wasting disease cases on a red deer farm. This operation offered an opportunity to look at how variations in deer pressure influence cedar regeneration and how cedar responds to a sudden reduction in browsing. We conducted regeneration surveys within and outside mapped deeryards both in the deer reduction zone and in a control zone. We performed dendrochronological analyses of cedar seedlings and saplings to quantify radial growth response to a reduction in browsing pressure. The results show that cedar basal area influences the abundance of small seedlings but that the effect of browsing becomes dominant for seedlings taller than 50 cm. Cedar growth responds to a reduction in browsing, but a two-year period was not sufficient to translate into changes in regeneration structure. The duration of the windows of opportunity at low browsing pressure required for cedar to reach a safe height remains to be determined. However, canopy openness had a significant influence on growth, suggesting that silvicultural measures could be taken to shorten the period of vulnerability to deer browsing.

Рост туи западной (Thuja occidentalis L.) в дендрарии Главного ботанического сада им. Н.В. Цицина РАН по данным дендрохронологического анализа

The study materials of the White сedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) radial growth (the width of the annual ring) variability in the N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden arboretum of the Russian Academy of Sciences are presented. The main patterns of short-term and long-term variability of radial growth are established, the influence peculiarities of meteorological parameters on the growth figures are revealed, a yield table of tree growth by trunk diameter is compiled. Based on the results of dendroclimatic analysis, recommendations for the care of plants are given. The results of dendroclimatic analysis were compared with the results of similar studies of White Cedar growth in the Mytishchi branch of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University arboretum.

Effects of flood duration on seedling survival and growth of potential replacement species in black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marshall) forests threatened by emerald ash borer

Within black ash (Fraxinus nigra Marshall) wetlands, black ash acts as a foundational species, resulting in high vulnerability to the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). One mitigation strategy being considered is the planting of alternative tree species to increase compositional diversity, however, there is limited understanding of how replacement tree species tolerate flooding. A greenhouse experiment was used to explore early survival and growth of eighteen tree species in response to five flooding durations (3, 6, 9, 12, or 15 weeks). Seedlings were assigned to flood tolerance groups according to their responses to the various flooding duration treatments. Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich., Ulmus americana L., and Betula nigra L. were able to survive and grow with flooding durations of up to 15 weeks. Thuja occidentalis L., Acer rubrum L., Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, Quercus bicolor Willd., and Betula alleghaniensis Britton had high survival and growth rates with flooding durations up to 6 weeks in length. Finally, Juglans nigra L. and Acer saccharum Marshall responded poorly to flooding of any duration. These results can assist managers in matching potential black ash replacement species to the hydrology of their local black ash wetlands.

Preapred Thuja occidentalis glycerol with quality assessment done by UV- VIS Spectrophotometer and FTIR

Background: Through this research study preparing the Homoeopathic Medicated glycerol by Thuja occidentalis- Q in glycerol base with different ratio i.e (1:1) (1:4) (1:9) under the quality assessment with UV- Visible spectrophotometer and FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy)Methodology: Preparation of glycerol done in Thuja occidentalis Q in the proportion of (1:1) i.e.) 1 part is Thuja occidentalis Q and 1 part is Glycerol, (1:4) i.e 1 part is Thuja occidentalis Q and 4 part is Glycerol, (1:9) 1 part is Thuja occidentalis Q and 9 part is Glycerol. After preparing this from each group (3-4) ml samples were taken in a sterile cuvette placed inside the UV- VIS Chamber to pass it under UV- VIS and also placed one drop from each group of sample over the lens in FTIR to evaluate the maximum transmission.Results: The Maximum absorbance of Thuja occidentalis Q is 0.851 at 607 nm, Thuja occidentalis glycerol (1:9) is 0.231 at 536 nm, Thuja occidentalis glycerol (1:1) is 0.738 at 609 nm, Thuja occidentalis glycerol (1:4) is 0.400 at 610 nm.Conclusion: Prepared glycerol with homoeopathic mother tincture i.e. Thuja occidentalis which gives an excellent results on certain skin diseases like warts, corns, herpetic eruptions, eczema, psoriasis, scalp irritation.

Esthetic assessment of the ornamental forms of northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) and their use in garden and park compositions

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) is represented in the world by about 200 ornamental forms, 43 of which were discovered and described in landscaping and nurseries of Lviv. The first plantations in Lviv date back to the 1920s. They were introduced by the professor at the Medical Institute T. Vilchynskyi, who brought material for cuttings from a nursery in Kurnik (Poland). The decorative qualities of these cultivars were determined on the basis of characteristic features and evaluated in points: the shape and density of the crown, the color of the needles, the nature of branching, and the features of seed-bearing. These decorative qualities formed the basis for the construction of various elements of garden and park compositions with the participation of tapeworms, alleys, green walls, hedges, boskets, topiaries, and rock gardens. The highest number of points (12) was obtained by 46.4% of ornamental forms, 11 - 16.3%, 10 - 9.3%, and 8 -11.6%. Cultivars with a distinct regular crown shape received high evaluation points. The options for the spatial arrangement of individuals were proposed and the distance between seating positions was recommended. Taking into account the high plasticity of cultivars and the ability to form crowns, variants of clipped hedges and topiaries were recommended. Several models have been proposed based on the distribution of ornamental plant groups based on their symmetry, silhouettes, alignments, contrasts, colors, density, and sizes. Cultivars were selected for each variant, and their group arrangement was proposed.

Thuja occidentalis as an intercurrent remedy in osteoarthritis: An observational study

Thuja occidentalis as an intercurrent remedy in osteoarthritis: An observational study

Otrovne i alergene biljne vrste uz vrtiće na području gradskih četvrti Novi Zagreb

Plantings surrounding kindergartens are an integral part of urban green spaces. These open areas play a very important role in the lives of children, in their development, their eating habits, and environmental awareness. For this reason, it is extremely important to select adequate plant species, which are not dangerous for the children. There are 10 public and 9 private preschool institutions in the entire area of the two Novi Zagreb (East and West) city districts. Only public kindergartens have been included in this research. The aim was to determine the size of green open space surrounding public kindergartens, analyse woody plants on site, determine the taxonomic affiliation of plant species, and detect the presence of poisonous and allergenic plant taxa. In green space surrounding kindergartens in the Novi Zagreb – East city district, 49 taxa of trees, and 18 taxa of shrubs and woody climbers from a total of 22 plant families have been identified. Similary, in the Novi Zagreb – West city district, 49 taxa of trees, and 24 taxa of shrubs and woody climbers from a total of 26 plant families have been determined in kindergarten plantings. A total of 32 poisonous taxa, and 36 allergenic taxa have been catalogued in the Novi Zagreb – East city district, while a total of 34 poisonous taxa, and 42 allergenic taxa have been listed in the Novi Zagreb – West city district. The most poisonous species were: Taxus baccata, Prunus laurocerasus and Sambucus nigra. The species with the highest allergenic potential were: Thuja occidentalis, Betula pendula and Acer platanoides.

Role of Plants for Evaluation of Air Pollution Tolerance Index on the Basis of Some Biochemical Parameters: A Concise Review

Several common plants such as, Mangifera indica, Pinus roxburghii, Thuja occidentalis, Tamarindus indica, Cassia fistula, Dalbergia sissoo, Quercus sp., Bauhinia recemosa etc. are available to absorb various pollutant gases. Plant leaves are the ideal indicator to measure the degree of air pollution and most plant have exhibited various physiological changes before showing any visible symptom in the leaves. Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) is a simple and efficient method for identifying plant species that can tolerate air pollution. It only requires four different types of leaf biochemical parameters, including the pH of plant leaf extract, the relative water content of the leaf, ascorbic acid, and the total chlorophyll content of the leaf. The amount of plant susceptibility to air pollution was assessed using the APTI score. Higher APTI-valued plants are extremely beneficial as a bio-monitoring tool for improving the atmosphere. For plantation programmes in newly constructed urbanized areas and avenues to produce pollution-free green environments, plant species with higher APTI values can be prioritized.

Quality control of Thuja occidentalis sesame oil by UV- VIS Spectrophotometer

Quality control of Thuja occidentalis sesame oil by UV- VIS Spectrophotometer

Benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with individualised homoeopathic medicines: An evidence-based case series

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of homoeopathic treatment in patients with benign prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). This was an experimental study conducted using the primary data and assessed based on clinical symptoms and pathological reports. A total of three cases were included in this study. BPH was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and ultrasonography reports. The patients were prescribed Lycopodium clavatum, Thuja occidentalis and Arsenicum album based on clinical signs, the totality of symptoms and individualisation. Dietary changes were recommended as well. Improvement was assessed based on symptom reduction and changes in ultrasonography reports. All three patients improved clinically and pathologically, including a reduction in prostate size. This case series provides evidence that individualised homoeopathic treatment is effective in pathological conditions such as BPH, in both symptom relief and pathological changes.

Quantitative assessment of antioxidant potential of selected homeopathic preparations in clinical practice.

Antioxidant property like radical scavenging is a primary target to elucidate the efficacy mechanism of a drug against diseases linked to oxidative stress such as cancer, metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. In alternative therapies, homeopathy is one of the preferred choices by patients and clinicians due to its potential to cure chronic and complex illnesses. However, the efficacy of homeopathic preparations at high diluted potencies attracts rational criticism due to insufficient scientific knowledge supporting the mechanism of action. Therefore, an attempt was made to estimate the total phenolic content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity of clinically prescribed homeopathic drugs. With gallic acid as a reference control, mother tinctures (MTs) and different potencies of Eucalyptus globulus (EG), Syzygium jambolanum (SJ), Ruta graveolens (RG), and Thuja occidentalis (TO) were used to perform Folin-Ciocalteu test, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The results showed TPC of MTs equivalent to µg/mL of gallic acid viz; EG (4,872.5±133.2), SJ (8,840.5±14.8), RG (985.6±39.1), and TO (341.5±19.5) with significant ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging potential. Whereas 30C and 200C potencies of each homeopathic drug showed undetectable phenolic content and insignificant radical scavenging potential compared to vehicle control, i.e.,alcohol 90% (2.0±1.5). The reported efficacy of 30C and 200C potencies of homeopathic medicines against oxidative stress-related illnesses might be due to mechanisms other than radical scavenging. Furthermore, the assays studied can be helpful in drug standardization and quality control of MTs that are used as starting material in homeopathic preparations.

Content of Cadmium and Nickel in Soils and Assimilatory Organs of Park Woody Species Exposed to Polluted Air.

The rising level of pollutant emissions is becoming one of the most pressing environmental problems of our time. Therefore, this work is focused on evaluating Cd and Ni contamination of soils and assimilatory organs of two native (Acer platanoides L., Taxus baccata L.) and two non-native (Negundo aceroides Moench, Thuja occidentalis L.) woody species in urban parks of SW Slovakia. The contents of Cd and Ni in soils were determined by the AAS method and, in the assimilatory organs of trees, by the AAS-ETA method. The studied soils (Fluvisol, Phaeozem) have neutral soil reactions and a moderate organic matter content. Cadmium soil contamination is considerable to very high; in the case of Ni, it is moderate to low. Cadmium levels detected in leaves were 31% higher than in needles, while Ni levels were 27% lower. Significant ecological factors in relation to the studied woody species were evaluated using PCA. The first three principal components of PCA significantly correlated with Cd (PC1) and Ni (PC3) contents in soils and Cd content in assimilatory organs (PC2), thus suggesting that these elements could especially originate from industrial and vehicular sources. Knowledge of the factors affecting the accumulation of risk elements in the assimilatory organs of park woody species can be successfully used, especially in the assessment of the quality of the urban environment and the selection of suitable cultivars for planting in areas with air pollution.

Complex regeneration responses of eight tree species to partial harvest in mixedwood forests of northeastern North America

Ecosystem-based forest management associated with partial harvesting (PH) is intended to balance ecological and economic values of sustainable forest management. The potential for delayed growth response and elevated mortality of advance regeneration following PH remains a critical concern, and may present a barrier to more widespread implementation of this approach. We used 835 permanent continuous forest inventory plots to examine the rate and time course of species-specific regeneration growth and mortality of eight tree species in the first fifteen years following operational partial harvests in the mixed-species forests of Maine, United States. We aimed to provide a quantitative understanding on how regeneration of different species responded to PH in terms of growth and mortality. In addition, we evaluated how the patterns and magnitudes of growth and mortality responses developed over time, if these responses occur gradually or suddenly, and if the patterns of the responses were persistent. We found that the response magnitude, temporal trajectories of responses, and the length of initial lag-period largely varied across species, PH treatments, and the variables examined. For sapling diameter growth, paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) showed immediate responses to high-intensity PH, while a five-year lag-period was observed in balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) and a 10-year lag period in northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.). The initial increase in sapling mortality was observed in balsam fir, American beech, red maple and northern white-cedar, but not in other species. Sapling survival reached a stable state irrespective of species after the initial five-years following harvests. In partially harvested stands, identifying preharvest conditions related to postharvest density, growth, and mortality was complex and interacted with time since harvest. Our results suggest that broad application of PH only results in species-specific gains, losses, and delays in regeneration responses within mixed-species stands. Future research should consider PH in combination with other treatments to initiate immediate responses to a wider range of species.

Regional, Site, and Tree Variations of Wood Density and Growth in Thuja occidentalis L. in the Quebec Forest

Thuja occidentalis L. wood is desirabl, e for wooden structures that require wood density uniformity. Wood density is a wood quality indicator related to numerous morphological, mechanical, physiological, and ecological properties. This study aimed to investigate the regional, site, and tree-to-tree variations of T. occidentalis wood density and growth components through the analysis of X-ray densitometer data. A total of 287 trees were randomly sampled from 11 sites in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions in Québec, Canada. The average ring density at breast height was 356 kg m−3, with a small difference between earlywood and latewood (167 kg m−3), indicating a relatively uniform wood. Ring density and width varied significantly between the Abitibi and the Témiscamingue regions, mainly in the juvenile wood. Trees from the Abitibi region showed higher ring density than those in the Témiscamingue region. In contrast, the ring width was higher in the Témiscamingue region. Site, tree, and cambial age significantly (p < 0.001) affected wood density and growth components. However, the largest variation is due to the tree-to-tree variation, accounting for about 15%–31% of the total variation. Compared to ring widths, ring density components showed a considerably smaller tree-to-tree variation and higher variation (7.1%) with cambial age than ring widths (0.6%). Ring width correlated positively and significantly (p < 0.001) with average temperature and annual precipitation, while ring density correlated negatively and significantly (p < 0.001) with average temperature and annual precipitation.

The role of the Pamir Botanical Garden in the enrichment of the assortments of conifers in the Western Pamirs

This article presents some results of cuttings of coniferous plants in the conditions of the Western Pamirs, on the example of the Pamir Botanical Garden, as well as enriching the range and prospects for their use. Since under natural conditions, the diversity of conifers in the Pamirs is very small and mainly species of the juniper genus grow here, in the Pamir Botanical Garden, for many years, research has been carried out to study the introduced coniferous plants and their adaptation to the conditions of this territory. In the course of the study on introduction, the optimal cutting time was determined for species of spruce, biota and others. It is shown that the spring period of grafting in comparison with the summer period is the most optimal for the conditions of the Western Pamirs. It was determined that western thuja (Thuja occidentalis) has a very good percentage of survival (60 %) compared with prickly spruce and European spruce, which are inferior to it by 15-20 %. The article also gives a brief description of conifers that have already been acclimatized in the conditions of the Western Pamirs and there is a prospect of their use for landscaping and soil protection in different parts of this territory. These include species of the genus biota, thuja, spruce and others.

Quantification of the Carbon Sequestration Potential of a 31-year-old Tree-based Intercropping System in Southern Ontario, Canada

Carbon (C) storage potential was quantified for four tree species which are commonly incorporated into tree-based intercropping (TBI) systems and compared with conventional agricultural systems in southern Ontario, Canada. In the 31-year-old TBI system at the University of Guelph’s Agroforestry Research Station, Norway spruce (<em>Picea abies</em>), white cedar (<em>Thuja occidentalis</em>), black walnut (<em>Juglans nigra</em>) and red oak (<em>Quercus rubra</em>) were planted in tree rows, intercropped with soybean (<em>Glycine max</em>). In the conventional agricultural field, soybean was grown in a monocropping system. Above and belowground tree and crop C content, soil organic C (SOC) and system level C was quantified for each tree species as well as the conventional agricultural system. Red oak TBI systems had the highest SOC followed by black walnut, Norway spruce and white cedar with values of 93.2, 83.9, 78.1, and 72.2 t C ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Red oak TBI systems also had the highest mean tree C content, followed by black walnut, Norway spruce and white cedar, with values of 299.7, 285.8, 255.4 and 70.1 kg C tree<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Total system level C, which incorporated SOC, tree C content and tree planting densities was 134.8, 126.4, 115.7, 95.6 and 75.6 t C ha<sup>-1</sup> respectively for spruce, oak, walnut and cedar TBI systems and the agricultural field. TBI systems provide higher C sequestration potentials than conventional agricultural fields, and Norway spruce and red oak should be included into TBI systems in southern Ontario to maximize C sequestration benefits.

Insecticidal Activity against Myzus persicae of Terpinyl Acetate and Bornyl Acetate in Thuja occidentalis Essential Oil

Essential oils have insecticidal activity against several insects and are composed of numerous compounds. This study investigated the insecticidal effects of the Thuja occidentalis L. (Cupressaceae) essential oil, terpinyl acetate, and bornyl acetate against the peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer)]. The insecticidal effect of essential oils on three Cupressaceae plants was highest in T. occidentalis. The Thuja occidentalis essential oil was extracted by steam distillation, and the optimum conditions were found. The GC-MS profiling of essential oil components extracted from T. occidentalis leaves identified 16 volatile compounds. The main components were α-thujone (16.58%), β-myrcene (14.62%), bornyl acetate (9.31%), and terpinyl acetate (8.52%). As a result of the metabolite profiling of three Cupressaceae plants, terpinyl acetate and bornyl acetate were present in large amounts in all of the essential oils, and they had an acetate structure, so it was estimated that they had insecticidal activity. The insecticidal activity of these two compounds was stronger than the other individual monoterpene compounds. The addition of surfactants to the terpinyl acetate and bornyl acetate showed strong insecticidal activity. Terpinyl acetate and bornyl acetate can be used as environmentally friendly insecticidal-active compounds.

Efficacy of individualized homeopathic medicines in irritable bowel syndrome: A double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial

ContextGastrointestinal ailments are some of the common conditions treated in homeopathy; yet only a few trials have explored the effects of individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of IHMs in treatment of IBS. DesignDouble-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SettingOutpatient departments of Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, India. PatientsSixty patients suffering from IBS; randomized to receive either IHMs (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30). InterventionsIHMs or placebo in the mutual context of concomitant care in terms of dietary advice, yoga, meditation and exercises. Main outcome measuresPrimary – IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire; secondary –IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) and EQ-5D-5L scores; all measured at baseline and every month, up to 3 months. ResultsGroup differences and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated on intention-to-treat (ITT) sample. Groups were comparable at baseline. Recruitment, retention and attrition rates were 64.5%, 91.7% and 8.3% respectively. Group differences in IBS-QOL total scores, IBS-SSS, EQ-5D-5L scores favored IHMs against placebo overall and at all the time points (all P < 0.001). Pulsatilla nigricans (n = 4, 6.7%) and Thuja occidentalis (n = 4, 6.7%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Barring some minor events unrelated to interventions, no harms or serious adverse events were recorded in either of the groups. Thus, IHMs acted significantly better than placebos in the treatment of IBS. Independent replications are warranted. [Trial registration: CTRI/2019/10/021632]