Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
A randomized, double-blind, parallel trial comparing capsaicin nasal spray with placebo in subjects with a
Jonathan A Bernstein1, Benjamin P Davis, Jillian K Picard
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunology/Allergy Section, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0563, USA. jonathan.bernstein@uc.edu
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy and safety of ICX72 or Sinus Buster, a proprietary homeopathic preparation of Capsicum annum and Eucalyptol, versus placebo administered continuously over 2 weeks in subjects with a significant component of nonallergic rhinitis (NAR).
Methods:
Forty-two consented subjects meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized to ICX72 (n = 20) or control (n = 22) administered twice daily over 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) from baseline to end of study. Secondary endpoints included changes in individual symptom scores (ISS) over 2 weeks and average time to first relief. Mean TNSS and ISS were recorded after single dosing at different intervals over 60 minutes. Rhinitis quality-of-life, rescue medication, and safety endpoints were analyzed.
Results:
ICX72 versus placebo subjects exhibited significant differences in changes from baseline to end of study for TNSS and each ISS (P < .01), had an average time to first relief of 52.6 seconds (P < .01), and improvement in nasal congestion, sinus pain, sinus pressure, and headache at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes, persisting at 60 minutes for nasal congestion and sinus pain (P < .05). No difference between groups in adverse events or rescue medication was observed. ICX72 versus placebo subjects experienced no rebound congestion or impaired olfaction at the end of the study.
Conclusion:
This is the first controlled trial demonstrating intranasal capsaicin, when used continuously over 2 weeks, rapidly and safely improves symptoms in rhinitis subjects with a significant NAR component.
