A herbal composition of Scutellaria baicalensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus shows vasocontrictive effects in an ex-vivo mucosal tissue model and in allergic rhinitis patients

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the nasal decongestive efficacy of an alternative to pharmacotherapy, a herbal nasal spray composed of Scutellaria baicalensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus. Methods Scutellaria baicalensis and Eleuthrococcus senticosus and control solutions were applied separately to isolated mucosal tissue from inferior turbinates. Vasoconstriction was measured as a change in isometric tension. Moreover, twenty allergic rhinitis patients with nasal stuffiness participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study with cross-over design; the same patients served as their placebo control group. Pre-and post-treatment nasal congestion and smell test scores were evaluated for the test and placebo spray using two validated questionnaires, the 5 question nasal congestion questionnaire and the 12 question Brief Smell Identification Test-Version B. Results In the ex-vivo mucosal tissue, the herbal compounds were demonstrated to induce vasoconstriction when applied at 10 mg/ml concentration. The combination of S. baicalensis and E. senticosus proved effective in relieving patients’ nasal congestion and was statistically superior to placebo. No side effects were noted, and there was no difference between the pre-and post-study smell test results. Conclusions The combined S. baicalensis and E. senticosus herbal nasal spray relieved nasal congestion significantly better than placebo without any side effects.