Effects of Phyllanthus niruri on the severity of the common cold in children
Abstract: Common cold is a
self-limited disease, however it poses a significant burden on productivity and
community health. Unfortunately, there has been no standard medication for
childhood common cold, whereas some herbs with immune-modulating properties,
such as Phyllanthus niruri extract (PNE), might be beneficial but has not been
thoroughly studied.
Objective To evaluate the effect of PNE administration on the severity of
common cold symptoms in children.
Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in
children aged 2-6 years who were diagnosed with a common cold at primary health
care centers in Sewon and Jetis in Bantul, as well as in Gondomanan and
Gedongtengen in Yogyakarta. Subjects were collected by consecutive sampling and
parents were interviewed. We assessed illness severity by Hemila scoring for
the common cold.
Results A total of 100 subjects were included with 50 subjects in each
intervention group. After treatment, there was no significant difference in
common cold severity between the PNE and the control groups for all symptom
score components, including cough (0.87 vs 0.71, P=0.36), nasal symptom (0.90
vs 1.10, P=0.54), coryza ( 0.44 vs 1.10, P=0.54), and systemic symptom (0.10 vs
0.10, P=0.94).
Conclusion Administration of PNE for 6 days did not provide a significant
benefit in reducing the severity of the common cold compared to placebo in
children aged 2 – 6 years. [Paediatr Indones. 2012;52:346-51].
Author: Ari Dwi Ratna
Kusumaningrum, Sumadiono, Yati Soenarto
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg120135
