RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Zizyphus spina-christi for the management of adult asthma JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P738 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Mehdi Rajabi A1 Shokufeh Garusi A1 Hamid-Reza Moezzi A1 Zahra Nasir-Baghban YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P738.abstract AB Introduction: Asthma is characterized by frequent episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. The management of asthma is based on avoidance of the trigger factors, oral and inhaled medications albeit some herbals. Ziziphus spina-christi(L.) grows in Africa and Asia and used for bronchitis and coughing. Although, this agent is proposed to have a safe profile with adequate therapeutic benefits, it had never been investigated in clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy in asthmatic patients.Aims and objective: To evaluate the effect of Z.spina–christi leaf extract in adult asthmatic patients.Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo control, parallel clinical trial to compare the extract with placebo in moderate to severe asthmatic patients. 50 previously diagnosed asthmatic patients and stable on current therapies were randomly divided in 2 arms. 25 patients (Arm A) on regular repeat medications plus placebo. 25 patients (Arm B), the extract was used instead of placebo. Placebo or extract were used twice a day on alternate days as a steam inhalation. The Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and St George’s questionnaire were completed at base line. follow up weekly for a period of 2 month.Results: Spirometry analysis revealed that treatment with Z.spina–christi extract may result in some improvement of PFTs and PEFRs with the P value of less than 0.05 when compared with arm A. In contrast no changes were observed in arm A. Overall, patients in arm B had the best improvement in their Quality Of Life (QOL), PFTs and the frequency of symptoms.Conclusion: The Extract of Ziziphus spina-christi investigated further and has shown some promising results when QOL, PFT and physical symptoms were considered.