Cyclamen europaeum extract for acute sinusitis

Area of Science:

• Naturopathy
• Pharmacology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Acute sinusitis is a frequent cause of primary care visits, leading to significant symptoms like facial pain and congestion.
• Current treatments aim to remove causative factors and manage inflammation and infection.
• Cyclamen europaeum extract, delivered intranasally, is proposed to aid nasal drainage and reduce inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of topical intranasal Cyclamen europaeum extract in treating acute sinusitis in adults and children.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase) and trial registers up to January 2018.
• Included randomized controlled trials comparing Cyclamen europaeum extract to placebo, antibiotics, or corticosteroids for acute sinusitis.
• Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality using Cochrane standards.

Main Results:

• Two randomized controlled trials with 147 adult participants were analyzed.
• Primary outcomes (symptom resolution at 14 and 30 days) were not reported.
• Mild adverse events (nasal/throat irritation, sneezing) occurred in 50% of the Cyclamen europaeum group versus 24% in the placebo group; moderate-quality evidence.

Conclusions:

• The clinical effectiveness of Cyclamen europaeum for acute sinusitis is currently undetermined.
• No serious adverse events were reported, but mild adverse events were more frequent with Cyclamen europaeum.
• Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety profile of this treatment.