Tinospora Cordifolia Extract Promotes Healthy Nasal and Immune Function* In a recent double-blind study (J Ethnopharmacol 2005; 96 (3): 445-9), an extract of the Indian herb Tinospora cordifolia (TC) improved symptoms caused by an abnormal sensitivity to certain airborne pollens. 75 subjects received either 300 mg of TC three times per day for eight weeks or a placebo.
With TC, 83% experienced total relief from sneezing, 69% had complete relief from nasal discharge, 61% had no nasal obstruction, and 71% had no nasal itchiness after eight weeks. In the placebo group there was no relief in 79% from sneezing, in 84% from nasal discharge, in 83% from nasal obstruction and in 88% from nasal itching. The difference between TC and placebo groups was highly significant.
Total lymphocyte count increased 69% in the TC group and in only 11% with placebo, suggesting an enhanced state of immunity in the tinospora group. Also, nasal smears showed significant reductions in the number of cells that indicate pollen sensitivity.
Tinospora cordifolia was well tolerated. Number of people with chronic allergy-like symptoms — runny nose, congestion and cough — but who have nonallergic rhinitis instead: one out of three.
(WebMD)
