Kitphati, RungruengThanakhumtorn, SuneeChittaganpitch, MalineeBunjob, MaleeWongsinkongman, PrapaiWattanamongkonsil, LuksameSawanpanyalert, PathomThamlikitkul, Visanu2012-02-082012-02-082007-11Kitphati Rungrueng, Thanakhumtorn Sunee, Chittaganpitch Malinee, Bunjob Malee, Wongsinkongman Prapai, Wattanamongkonsil Luksame, Sawanpanyalert Pathom, Thamlikitkul Visanu. Safety and efficacy of hyptis suaveolens extract for therapy of influenza in healthy adults. Siriraj Medical Journal, 2007 Nov; 59(7): 364-368.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/136843Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of H.suaveolens extract for therapy of influenza in healthy adults. Methods: The study was randomized double blind placebo controlled study conducted in 15 community and general hospitals from May to August 2006. The study subjects were healthy adults who had influenza-like symptoms and positive preliminary diagnostic test for influenza A or B from respiratory secretions. They were randomized to receive H.suaveolens extract 500 mg 3 times daily or the placebo 3 times daily for 7 days. The subjects were evaluated for the severity of symptoms related to influenza, adverse effects of the medications and the presence of influenza viruses from respiratory secretions at entry, day 4 and day 7 after treatment. Results: There were 39 subjects in the placebo group and 46 in the H.suaveolens group. There was a significant improvement in symptoms of the patients in both groups on day 4 and day 7 when compared with that at entry. However, the average duration of fever of the patients in both groups was not significantly different (3.1 days in the placebo group vs. 3 days in the H.suaveolens group, p=0.749). The recovery rates of influenza A and influenza B viruses from respiratory secretions of the subjects on day 4 and day 7 after treatment in both groups were not significantly different. A trend of less positive culture for influenza A virus in the patients receiving H.suaveolens extract (32.5%) compared with those receiving a placebo (47.1%) was observed. The compliance to medications was satisfactory. No serious adverse effects due to study medications were observed. Conclusion: H.suaveolens extract 1.5 grams per day for 7 days is safe but it is not effective in relieving influenza-related symptoms in adults with influenza. The lack of efficacy of H.suaveolens extract might be due to an insufficient dosage of the extract.enEfficacyHyptis suaveolensMaeng-Lak-Kha influenzasafetyArticle