Spicae aetheroleum in uncomplicated acute bronchitis: a double-blind, randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Spicae aetheroleum (Spicae ae.), a phytomedicine obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops of Lavandula latifolia, as compared to placebo in adult patients with acute bronchitis. METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated acute bronchitis (bronchitis severity score [BSS] ≥ 5 score points) were randomly assigned to treatment with Spicae ae. or placebo in a double-blind, parallel-group design. No additional treatment was admitted. The primary objective was the mean difference of a defined total BSS of 25% between the Spicae ae. and the placebo group after 7 days of full medication dose. Secondary endpoints included the BSS at day 10, additional signs and symptoms of bronchitis, quality of life (QoL) and safety. RESULTS: The mean decrease in BSS at day 7 and day 10 was significant with 4.79 vs. 3.20 (p < 0.005 for a 25% difference) and 6.47 vs. 4.32 (p < 0.009 for a 25% difference) score points respectively in the Spicae ae. (n = 119) vs. placebo group (n = 110). Accordingly, most additional signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis as well as the patients’ QoL improved significantly with Spicae ae. as compared to placebo. In all, 258 patients were eligible for safety analysis. The treatment with Spicae ae. was well tolerated; no serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: The defined objectives both for the primary and secondary endpoints have been met. The results of this study provide evidence that Spicae ae. is well tolerated, effective and superior to placebo in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated acute bronchitis in adult patients.