Effect of Myrtus communis L. Syrup on Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Background According to the Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) resources, myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) resolves swelling, wounds and injuries; its wound exsiccation capability and tissue enforcement properties may be helpful in the treatment of the rhinosinusitis. Objectives The objective of the current trial was to assess the effects of Myrtus communis aqueous extract in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods A total of 38 patients referring to the Masih Daneshvari Hospital (Tehran, Iran) for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis during the year 2016 were recruited for a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial. They were randomly allocated in 2 groups: 22 patients were in the treatment group and 16 patients in the placebo group. Recruitment was based on the European position paper on rhinosinusitis (EPOS). Patients’ data, including demographic information, SNOT22 questionnaire scores, and visual analog scale (VAS), were gathered and recorded by an otolaryngologist. Patients were investigated with a CT scan of the paranasal sinuses at the beginning of the study. Results A total of 13 patients (59.1%) in the treatment group were female and 7 in the placebo group (43.7%). The median age of patients in the treatment group was 38.86 (18 - 68) and in the placebo group 39.93 (22 - 75) years. Data analysis revealed that symptoms improved in the treatment group after treatment in most parameters, according to the SNOT- 22 parameters. However, most of these improvements, such as reduced concentration (1.81 ± 2.01 vs. 0.73 ± 1.32 in control vs. treatment group, respectively; P = 0.055), frustrated/restless/irritable (1.56 ± 1.97 vs. 0.55 ± 1.1 in control and treatment groups, respectively; P = 0.113), as well as ear pain (P = 0.121), did not demonstrate a statistical significance. There was a significant improvement in symptom number 18 (reduced productivity) in the SNOT- 22 questionnaire (1.69 ± 1.92 vs. 0.77 ± 1.23 in control vs. treatment group, respectively; P = 0.041). Conclusions According to the present study findings, Myrtus communis L. syrup can be safely administered in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and is effective in improving the outcomes of the disease.