An Add-On Treatment for Moderate COPD with Squill-Oxymel (a Traditional Formulation from Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn): A Pilot Randomized Triple-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background. In traditional Persian medicine, Drimia maritima, with the popular name Squill, has been used to alleviate phlegm dyspnea. Squill has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticholinergic properties. The goal of this research was to see how effective and safe Squill-Oxymel was in treating COPD patients. Method. Forty-two COPD patients were examined for eight weeks in two groups. Patients underwent a 6-minute walk test to assess the treatment’s effectiveness at the beginning and conclusion of the intervention. We utilized St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) to evaluate the subjective symptoms of patients in order to measure their quality of life. Results. Patients who received Squill-Oxymel showed a statistically significant increase in 6MWT distance ( $P=0.011$ ). The mean O2 saturation at the end of the 6MWT before the intervention was significantly greater in the placebo group. ( $P=0.008$ ). In terms of questionnaire variables, there was a significant difference between placebo and Squill-Oxymel groups in the mean presymptom score ( $P=0.009$ ) and the mean post-symptom score ( $P=0.004$ ). Conclusions. The findings of this research provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness and safety of Squill-Oxymel as an add-on therapy in individuals with mild COPD.