AKL1, a botanical mixture for the treatment of asthma: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study
2007

AKL1 for Asthma Treatment

Sample size: 32 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Thomas Michael, Sheran Jane, Smith Natalie, Fonseca Sofia, Lee Amanda J

Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen

Hypothesis

Does the botanical mixture AKL1 improve asthma control compared to a placebo in patients with uncontrolled asthma?

Conclusion

AKL1 treatment was well tolerated, but no significant improvements in lung function or quality of life were observed, although trends towards improvement in patient-centered outcomes were noted.

Supporting Evidence

  • No significant differences in lung function were found between AKL1 and placebo.
  • Trends towards improvement in patient-centered outcomes were observed.
  • The treatment was well tolerated with no significant adverse events.

Takeaway

The study tested a herbal treatment for asthma called AKL1, but it didn't show clear benefits over a placebo, even though some patients felt better.

Methodology

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with a 36-week trial involving 32 adult asthmatics.

Potential Biases

Potential biases related to self-reported outcomes and the small sample size.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and may not have been powered sufficiently to detect significant effects.

Participant Demographics

Median age of participants was 40.5 years, with 25 females out of 32 participants.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.9 for lung function changes, p = 0.10 for asthma control questionnaire.

Confidence Interval

95% CI for PEF change was -35.0 to 26.9 L/min.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2466-7-4

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