Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Thai Herbal Formulary: A-Paisalee Recipe in Patients with Mild to Moderate Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Main Article Content

Wiwan Worakunphanich
Monthaka Teerachaisakul
Anutida Tabmee
Manatchaya Mukanachot
Nattawat Peamnguleum

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern. Thoeng Hospital reported a good result of using A-Paisalee herbal drug combined with the standard treatment in patients with COPD but no clinical trial has been conducted yet. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of A-Paisalee herbal recipe in patients with mild to moderately stable COPD.  This randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial enrolled 66 outpatients diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD and got them randomized into 2 groups, 33 each. The treatment group was treated with A-Paisalee, while the control group received a placebo.  All volunteers were treated with the standard treatment as a basis. The outcomes were evaluated every 30 days, totally 5 times.  Inhaled drug use history was taken; oxygen saturation and lung function were measured; and six-minute walk test, Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Score and COPD Assessment Test were measured or performed. Blood examinations were undertaken on day 0 and day 90. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square and repeated one-way ANOVA.  Intention-to-treat was applied to the analysis.  The results showed that oxygen saturation values and distance in the six-minute walk test of the treatment group significantly increased compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). Also a significantly higher Borg dyspnea score in six-minute walk test was observed in the treatment group compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05).  The results of blood examination were in normal range.  Additionally, the COPD Assessment Test scores of the treatment group significantly decreased after receiving A-Paisalee (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this is the first randomized controlled trial evidence that co-treatment with A-Paisalee and standard medicines effectively increases oxygen saturation values and improves the ability to perform daily living in patients with stable mild to moderate COPD.

Article Details

Section
Original Articles
Author Biographies

Wiwan Worakunphanich, Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

Mae Lao Hospital, Amphoe Mae Lao, Chiang Rai Province, 57250, Thailand.

Lom Kao Hospital, Amphoe Lom Kao, Phetchabun Province, 67120, Thailand.

Monthaka Teerachaisakul, Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

Mae Lao Hospital, Amphoe Mae Lao, Chiang Rai Province, 57250, Thailand.

Lom Kao Hospital, Amphoe Lom Kao, Phetchabun Province, 67120, Thailand.

Anutida Tabmee, Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

Mae Lao Hospital, Amphoe Mae Lao, Chiang Rai Province, 57250, Thailand

Lom Kao Hospital, Amphoe Lom Kao, Phetchabun Province, 67120, Thailand.

Manatchaya Mukanachot, Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

Mae Lao Hospital, Amphoe Mae Lao, Chiang Rai Province, 57250, Thailand.

Lom Kao Hospital, Amphoe Lom Kao, Phetchabun Province, 67120, Thailand.

Nattawat Peamnguleum, Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand

Mae Lao Hospital, Amphoe Mae Lao, Chiang Rai Province, 57250, Thailand.

Lom Kao Hospital, Amphoe Lom Kao, Phetchabun Province, 67120, Thailand.

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