Exploring use of Homeopathic medicine eucalyptus globulus in the management of perennial allergic rhinitis A prospective single blind placebo controlled study

Abstract

Background: Perennial allergic rhinitis is a global health issue and the incidence of this disease is increasing day by day due to changed life style. Perennial allergic rhinitis not only affects the health of a person but also quality of life, work and performance of a person. For this, there is a need of a study to explore the action of Homoeopathic Medicine Eucalyptus globulus in the management of perennial allergic rhinitis. newlineMaterials and Method: It was a Single blind randomized placebo controlled study. Study duration was of 18 months; including 4 months of enrolment, 12 months follow up and 2 months for analysis. Total 85 patients were enrolled in this study, out of them 56 patients allocated in Group A, while 29 patients in Group B (Randomization in 2:1 ratio). Group A received Eucalyptus globulus while Group B will receive identical placebo. Patients both group were assessed for Serum IgE at the baseline and at the end while Mini RQLQ score at the baseline and at every 4 weeks. newlineResults: At the end of study 75 patients were analyzed as 10 patients were dropped out during the study. After the end of the study, in Group A (Eucalyptus globulus) Serum IgE level was reduced from 146.98 ± 16.63 to 81.11 ± 19.24 units to improvement of 65.87 ± 25.90. Similarly changes in Mini RQLQ Score median score rating changed from 58.0 to 12.50, sub parameters of the Quality of life Activities score, Practical Problems Score , Nose Symptoms Score , Eye Symptoms Score and Other Symptom Score the median score rating changed from 14.0 to 3.0, 10.0 to 2.0, 18.0 to 4.50, 0.00 to 0.00 and 12.0 to 2.0 respectively. newlineiii newlineIn Group B (Placebo) Serum IgE was deteriorated after placebo treatment, from 144.34 ± 12.56 to 153.64 ± 21.09 units. Similarly changes in Quality of Life parameters Mini RQLQ, the median score rating changed from 56.0 to 62.0 which is insignificant. The sub parameters of the Quality of life Activities score, Practical Problems Score, Nose Symptoms Score, Eye Symptoms Score and Other Symptom Score, the median score rating remained same 13.0, 10.0, 18.0, 0.0 and 14.0 pre and post placebo treatment respectively. newlineThe result shows that mean score reduction in Group A were higher than the mean score reduction in placebo group, and the difference was also statistically significant p = .000. newlineConclusion: As per the result of the study we can conclude that homoeopathic medicine Eucalyptus globulus can plays a significant role in the management of perennial allergic rhinitis. However, further research is needed with different study design, different comparator and sample size. newline