BACKGROUND

According to the 2020 Philippine Health Statistics, hypertension ranks as the second leading cause of morbidity in the country. It is also the most common reason for medical consultations at the Quezon City General Hospital Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Various treatments, including plant-based options, have shown potential additional benefits in managing the condition.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) capsule as an adjunct therapy to Losartan 50mg tablet in the treatment of newly diagnosed hypertensive patients of Quezon City General Hospital. 

METHODS

Newly diagnosed hypertensive patients consulting at the Family Medicine of Quezon City General Hospital qualifying the inclusion criteria enrolled in this Randomized Control Trial.

Patients who met the inclusion criteria initially received Losartan 50 mg once daily for two weeks. After this period, they were divided into two groups and received different treatment regimens for four weeks. Parameters such as systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were recorded daily and subsequently summarized. A crossover of treatment among subjects was then implemented, and the same parameters were measured again. However, no washout period was conducted prior to the crossover due to logistical constraints and ethical considerations, as discontinuation of standard antihypertensive therapy was not permitted. Statistical analysis using the Paired t-test and Two-sample t-test was performed based on the data collected from the study results.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure for the two groups. Group A who took Losartan 50mg tablet and Lemongrass capsule for one month, had a mean difference of 6.28 (p-value= < 0.001), 1.59 (p-value= < 0.0042) and 3.15 (p- value= < 0.001) respectively, had lower parameters after Phase I of treatment, compared to Group B who took Losartan 50mg tablet alone. After Phase II (cross-over of treatment), there is a statistically significant difference for the two groups. Group B who took Losartan 50mg tablet and Lemongrass capsule for one month, had a lower diastolic and mean arterial pressure, with a mean difference of 1.33 (p-value=0.01), and 1.47 (p-value=0.0047) respectively. Meanwhile, there was no observed significant difference in the systolic blood pressure with a mean difference of 1.71 (p-value=0.0675). 

CONCLUSION

Lemongrass capsule as adjunct in the treatment of newly diagnosed hypertensive patients was proven to be effective, safe and cost effective.

Human ; Hypertension ; Losartan ; Lemongrass ; Cymbopogon

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil methanolic extract shampoo against permethrin shampoo in reducing head lice infestation among children. METHODS: A single-blind, non-inferiority, randomized clinical trial was conducted on children aged 6-14 years with pediculosis. Using block randomization, the participants were assigned to receive either 10% neem seed oil methanolic shampoo, 1% permethrin shampoo, or pure shampoo for three treatment applications at 10-day intervals. The presence of head lice after each application was determined by standard quadrant counting and compared with the baseline count within and among treatment groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in lice count after treatment for both neem and permethrin, with mean reductions of 17.8 ± 23.97 (p = 0.043) and 22.5 ± 23.47 (p = 0.014), respectively. Repeated Measures ANOVA showed a summary p-value of 0.041 for neem, 0.013 for permethrin, and 0.193 for the shampoo alone with a linear trend indicating a significant decrease in the lice counts from the baseline to the third application of neem and permethrin shampoo, but not in the shampoo group. There was no significant difference in the mean decrease in lice count from baseline to the third application between the neem and permethrin shampoo groups. CONCLUSION Neem seed oil methanolic extract shampoo is non-inferior and comparable to permethrin in the reduction of head lice count. There were no reported dermatologic adverse effects such as burning sensations, redness, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.