Hyeonggaeyeongyo-tang (HYT) is an ancient formula of
oriental medicine traditionally used to treat
rhinitis; however, clinical evidence has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of HYT for chronic
rhinitis. Adult subjects with chronic
rhinitis symptoms were recruited. The subjects received HYT for 4 weeks and had follow-up period of 8 weeks. Any medicines used to treat nasal symptoms were not permitted during the study. The skin prick test was performed to distinguish the subjects with
allergic rhinitis from those with nonallergic
rhinitis.
After treatment, the total nasal symptoms score and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score significantly improved in the whole subject group, in the
allergic rhinitis group, and in the nonallergic
rhinitis group, with no adverse events. This improvement lasted during a follow-up period of 8 weeks. Total
IgE and eosinophil levels showed no significant difference
after treatment in the
allergic rhinitis group. HYT improved nasal symptoms and quality of life in patients with
allergic rhinitis and nonallergic
rhinitis. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the use of HYT to treat patients with
rhinitis. This trial has been registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02477293.