An exploratory trial of Cyclamen europaeum extract for acute rhinosinusitis

Objectives/Hypothesis: An exploratory US trial in patients with acute rhinosinusitis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cyclamen europeaum extract, a product marketed in Europe that causes reflex nasal discharge and subsequent decongestion. Study Design: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, and parallel group. Methods: Outpatients (n = 29) with cardinal symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis and both endoscopic and radiographic (computed tomography [CT] scan) evidence at 25 US centers were randomized to receive intranasal, lyophilized, reconstituted Cyclamen europeaum extract (Cyclamen) or placebo spray for 7 days. Primary outcomes were reduction in percent sinus opacification on CT scans and reduction in PM predose instantaneous total symptom scores measured on a six-point scale. Secondary outcomes included other measures of symptom score change and endoscopic signs of mucopurulence and inflammation. Results: Cyclamen treatment significantly reduced sinus opacification compared with placebo treatment (P <.045). Although Cyclamen treatment reduced total symptom scores from baseline more than placebo treatment (-2.4 vs. -1.4), there were no significant treatment group differences (P =.312). Cyclamen treatment was well tolerated. Conclusions: Cyclamen treatment significantly reduced sinus opacification in patients with acute rhinosinusitis. Further exploration of Cyclamen treatment in larger patient populations is warranted.