A crossover double-blind study onTylophora indica in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis

It is postulated that irritative effects of the juice of the Tylophora leaf on the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, and stomach somehow suppress or diminish the response of the nasobronchial tissue to an inhalant allergen through some reflex mechanism.

Abstract

Results of a crossover double-blind trial on 110 bronchial asthma patients with leaves ofTylophora indica and of spinach (placebo) are presented. The dose was one leaf daily for 6 days to be chewed and swallowed early in the morning. A 12 week follow-up was done. At the end of one week, 62 per cent of the Tylophora group had complete to moderate relief in symptoms, as compared with 28 per cent of the placebo group. At 4 weeks, the respective figures were 37 per cent and 11 per cent; at 8 weeks, 30 per cent and 7.4 per cent; and at 12 weeks, 16 per cent and zero per cent. The incidence of side effects, such as sore mouth, loss of taste for salt, and/or morning nausea and vomiting was 53 per cent in the Tylophora group and 9 per cent in the placebo group. There appeared to be a correlation between the incidence of side effects and degree of improvement. After crossover at the end of one week, 50 per cent of the Tylophora group had complete to moderate relief as compared with 11 per cent of the placebo group. The authors are not aware of any other drug which, when administered in a small dose once a day for 6 days only, will suppress the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma for 8 to 12 weeks in a significant number of patients. It is postulated that irritative effects of the juice of the Tylophora leaf on the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, and stomach somehow suppress or diminish the response of the nasobronchial tissue to an inhalant allergen through some reflex mechanism.