Tinospora & allergic rhinitis

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, May, 2006 by Jule Klotter

The herb tinospora relieves allergic rhinitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (January 2005). Also known as guduchi, gulancha, and giloy, tinospora is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to increase longevity, improve memory, and improve immune function. Modern research has found that the herb stimulates the production of white blood cells and decreases allergic reactions.

This eight-week study, performed by V.A. Badar and colleagues, involved 75 patients, diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, from Nagpur, India. Those in the active group received 300 mg of a standardized tinospora extract three times per day, while those in the control group took a placebo. The researchers performed a clinical exam that included nasal smears and blood samples at base line and at the study's end. They also asked participants to record their symptoms (i.e., sneezing, nasal discharge, itchiness, and congestion) throughout the study. After eight weeks, 83% of tinospora users reported total relief from sneezing; 69% had total relief from nasal discharge; 61% reported no nasal obstruction; and 71% reported no nasal itchiness. The decrease in allergic activity was evident in the group's nasal smears. In addition, their blood samples showed "a significant increase [from baseline] in the number of white blood cells compared with the placebo group, suggesting an enhanced state of immunity." The only complaints reported by tinospora users were minor nasal pain (n=2) and headache (n=1). In her review of the study, Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, says "Future studies should compare the effects of tinospora with those of currently used allergy treatments." Many of the antihistamines and decongestants now used to treat allergic rhinitis cause drowsiness.

Beauchamp K. Herbal extract relieves allergies. Available at http://bastyrcenter.org/content/view/308/. Accessed February 3, 2006.

Oliff HS. RE: Clinical study of indian tinospora to treat allergic rhinitis shows positive results. HerbClip[TM] (online). July 15, 2005. Available at www.herbalgram.org/naturemade/herbclip/pdfs/020554-284.pdf. Accessed February 3, 2006.