Efficacy Evaluation Of Linium Usitatissimum (Linctus Of Flax Mucilage) In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has almost become a global epidemic with increased morbidity and mortality. So far there is no effective available therapy to better control the inflammatory progression which contributes to this irreversible airflow limitation.

While going through Unani (Greek o Arab Medicine) literature, description and medicinal uses of Katan (Linium usitatissimum) in such disorders were observed. Need was felt to explore the potential of this well-known Unani medicine in the management of COPD as a safe and efficacious substitute to the existing treatment options based on spirometric parameters.

A total of 80 patients were enrolled, out of which 60 patients randomly distributed into Test and Control groups were included in the study. All patients in the Test group were given the test drug, a Pharmacopeial Unani formulation “Linctus of Flax mucilage” (Linium usitatissimum L.) in a dose of 10 gm thrice daily for 6 weeks. Similarly, patients in the control group were also given standard Theophylline 200 mg thrice daily for 6 weeks.

Based on the spirometry parameters FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, it was observed that the test drug Linctus of Flax mucilage had a significant effect in the management of COPD.