Efficacy and safety of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch capsules on symptom severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive diseases. The aim of this clinical trial was to determine the effectiveness of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch on the symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) in patients with IBS. Methods The patients were randomized into two groups of 45 each. The QOL and symptom severity of the patients were evaluated at baseline and at completion of the treatments by means of IBS-QOL and IBS severity index. Results The mean severity of clinical symptoms in the Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch receiving groups before and after the treatment was 282.56 ± 103.57 and 178.06 ± 88.40, and in the placebo group was 265.93 ± 93.56 and 197.74 ± 106.26, respectively. The mean QOL in the Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch receiving group before and after treatment was 51.49 ± 11.98 and 50.44 ± 13.39 and in the placebo group was 60.71 ± 11.97 and 58.39 ± 11.67, respectively. In both groups, there was a significant difference in the recovery rate in each group (p<0.05). However, the mean difference between the two groups before and after intervention was not significantly different (p>0.05). Also, no patient reported any adverse events during the trial. Although the symptom severity and QOL in both groups were improved compared to those before intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion It is recommended to conduct future studies with larger sample size and longer treatment periods, and also investigate the efficacy on the IBS subtypes, separately.

Salvigenin, a Trimethoxylated Flavone from Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch, Exerts Combined Lipid-Lowering and Mitochondrial Stimulatory Effects

“…Herein, we report the results of a comprehensive phytochemical investigation of A. wilhelmsii aerial part that led to the identification of 17 secondary metabolites (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17), including the not yet described sequiterpenoids wilhelmsin (7) and wilhelmsolide (9). The structural elucidation for these new secondary metabolites, including peculiar structural features, was as well performed.…”

“…This plant holds a remarkable place in traditional Persian medicine, with a particular indication for the treatment of pulmonary affections, and it is used by the local population for a variety of ailments [4]. Recent investigations have substantiated these traditional uses with a scientific approach and activity on irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis [5,6], and improvement of oxidative stress-related myocardial injury [7] have been demonstrated. Asgary et al [8] have reported a significant activity of A. wilhelmsii extracts in inducing a decrease in triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels after 2-4 months of the administration, a result supported by Khazneh et al [9] in a more recent investigation.…”