Randomized controlled trial of Phyllanthus niruri Linn extract

Patria Vittarina Sarisetyaningtyas; Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro; Zakiudin Munasir

doi:10.14238/pi46.2.2006.77-81

Patria Vittarina Sarisetyaningtyas
Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro
Zakiudin Munasir

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14238/pi46.2.2006.77-81

Keywords: varicella, varicella-zoster virus, papule, crust, phyllantus niruri

Abstract

Background Clinical benefits of antiviral treatment in children
experience varicella without complications, remains controversial.
Phyllanthus niruri Linn extract as a natural medicine is used to
increase cellular and humoral immunity.
Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of Phyllanthus
niruri Linn extract in the treatment of varicella in children compared
to placebo.
Methods This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial on
children ages 2-14 years who experienced varicella without com-
plications. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either
Phyllanthus niruri Linn extract syrup (5 mg/5ml, 3 times daily) or
placebo. Efficacy was measured by calculating the number of pap-
ules and crusts after taking the extract for 4 days of administration.
A five-day monitoring sheet to record daily follow up and adverse
effects of the subjects were given to their parents.
Results Efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri Linn measurement based
on no more new papules occurred at the five-day monitor was de-
tected in 46 subject (51.1%) of the Phyllantus niruri Linn group
compared to the placebo group (P=0.723). Meanwhile, the differ-
ence of efficacy based on time of crusts disappear in Phyllanthus
niruri Linn and placebo group were 22 subjects (43.1%) and 15
subject (30.0%), respectively (P=0.053). This finding proved have
clinical benefit (NNT=7.6).
Conclusion There was no significant difference between the ef-
ficacy of Phyllanthus niruri Linn and placebo in terms of the pre-
vention appearing new papules and crusts. However, clinically
Phyllanthus niruri Linn accelerates appearing and aborting crust
compared to placebo

Author Biographies

Patria Vittarina Sarisetyaningtyas

Department of Child Health, Medical School, University of
Indonesia, Cipto Mangunksumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro

Department of Child Health, Medical School, University of
Indonesia, Cipto Mangunksumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Zakiudin Munasir

Department of Child Health, Medical School, University of
Indonesia, Cipto Mangunksumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.

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