Effect of a Persian medicine formula, Glasthma, on lung function and intestinal permeability in Asthma: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Glasthma, a Persian medicine herbal formulation for its efficacy and safety in managing asthma symptoms and modulating intestinal permeability.

Materials and methods: Forty randomly assigned asthma patients received Glasthma syrup (n=20) or a placebo (n=20) twice daily for 4 weeks. Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, and 5-hour urine lactulose to mannitol ratio were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks.

Results: Glasthma group exhibited significant improvements in clinical and paraclinical scores, including asthma control test (p<0.001), asthma control questionnaire 7 (p<0.007), Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (p<0.001), and Maximal Mid-Expiratory Flow 25-75 (p<0.002) compared to the placebo group. Lactulose and mannitol levels significantly decreased in the Glasthma group (p<0.028 and p<0.0000, respectively), with no significant changes in the ratio. No serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Glasthma formulation may effectively improve asthma symptoms and regulate the gut-lung axis.