بررسی اثربخشی روش درمانی طب سنتی ایرانی (حب شبیار) در درمان آب سیاه (گلوکوم زاویه باز) : یک مطالعه کارآزمایی بالینی دو سو کور

Abstract

: Glaucoma is one of the most important preventable causes of blindness which still the cause of it is unknown. Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common form of glaucoma, which silently, progressively and asymptomatically reduces bilateral vision. The use of herbal remedies in traditional medicine has a long history because of their low cost, few side effects in comparison to chemical drugs, availability, and efficacy. In traditional Iranian medicine, statements have been made about treating increased aqueous humor and the presence of obstruction at its outlet, which causes reduced vision and even blindness. For this propose, some traditional medicine books have proposed treating glaucoma with Hab Shabyar. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of Hab Shabyar in patients with OAG. Materials and Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted on 50 patients with OAG and intraocular pressure (IOP) of 11-26 mmHg. A total of 50 patients OAG were randomized into two groups of 25 (intervention and control) patients. The intervention group was received the usual treatment (Timolol drop every 12 hours) plus 500 mg of Hab Shabyar daily for one month per night for two months, and the control group was received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo for two months each night. The IOP in patients with OAG was measured with Goldman Tonometer in each group and compared at before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention.

. Results: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye at three times [t2 in comparison with t1 (p = 0.002), t3 in comparison with t2 (p <0.001), and t3 in comparison with t2 (p = 0.008)] in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye, the mean left IOP in the intervention group was significantly decreased two months after the intervention (p = 0.004) with the time before the intervention but this difference was not significant in the control group at three times before, one month and two months after the intervention. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus500 mg Hab Shabyar for 8 weeks instead of consuming of timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG. To confirm these findings, further controlled studies should be performed.