Efficacy of a Traditional Iranian Almond-Based Formulation (Prunus dulcis Laog) in Treatment-Resistant Chronic Cough: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Seyyedi, Maryam; Sahebi, Leyla; Ranjbari, Yunes; Rasi, Farnaz; Khalili, Yeganeh; Namvar, Leila; Soleimani, Zahra

doi:10.22034/jmpb.2026.369975.2003

Efficacy of a Traditional Iranian Almond-Based Formulation (Prunus dulcis Laog) in Treatment-Resistant Chronic Cough: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, Tabriz, Iran

² Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

³ Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

⁴ Rahat Breath and Sleep Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

10.22034/jmpb.2026.369975.2003

Abstract

Chronic cough often persists despite standard treatments, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Prunus dulcis Laoq, a traditional Iranian herbal formulation, has historically been used for respiratory relief. This study evaluated its efficacy in managing treatment-resistant chronic cough. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 100 participants. Patients received either Prunus dulcis Laoq or a placebo for 14 days. Symptom progression was assessed using a validated cough severity questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and mixed-effects models. The Laoq group showed a significant reduction in cough severity compared to placebo (F = 9.48, p = 0.03). Improvements were consistent across demographic subgroups. No adverse effects were reported, supporting the formulation’s safety. Prunus dulcis Laoq demonstrated clinical efficacy in reducing symptoms of treatment-resistant chronic cough and may serve as a safe complementary therapy. Further studies are recommended to assess its long-term effects and potential broader applications.

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