Effects of Pelargonium sidoides extract vs roxithromycin on chemokine levels in nasal secretions of patients with uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations suggest the use of extract from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) for the therapy of uncomplicated rhinosinusitis. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effects of herbal drug EPs 7630 and antibiotic roxithromycin on chemokine production in nasal mucosa and clinical parameters in patients with uncomplicated acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). METHODS: Seventy‐eight ABRS patients were divided into 26 patients receiving EPs 7630 tablets, 3 × 20 mg/day per os (group 1), 26 patients receiving roxithromycin tablets, 2 × 150 mg/day per os (group 2), both for 10 days, and 26 patients who received no therapy (Control group). We measured chemokine levels in nasal secretions by flow cytometry and assessed clinical parameters on day 0 and day 10 of investigation. RESULTS: EPs 7630 increased concentrations of MCP‐1 (P = .001) and IP‐10 (P = .049) and decreased levels of MIP‐1α (P < .001), ENA‐78 (P < .001), and IL‐8 (P < .001). Roxithromycin increased levels of IP‐10 (P = .049) and decreased levels of MCP‐1 (P < .001), MIP‐1α (P < .016), ENA‐78 (P < .001), and IL‐8 (P < .001). Comparison of the non‐treated patients' group with groups 1 and 2 revealed significant improvement of all clinical parameters in treated patients (P < .001), but therapy with roxithromycin resulted in better improvement in nasal symptoms and endoscopic findings than therapy with EPs 7630. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the presence of similar modulatory effects of both therapies on production of chemokines that regulate the function of neutrophils and monocytes in nasal mucosa. Roxithromycin shows better clinical efficacy than EPs 7630 in patients with uncomplicated ABRS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.