Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Although cough is the defensive mechanism of the host for cleaning tracheobronchial tree, it is sometimes protracted and not useful. For cough suppression anti-tussive drugs is used. Thyme (Zatara Multiflorian) suppress cough. In this study the therapeutic effect of Thyme (Zatara multiflorian) and its side effects was compared with Dextrometorphan.

Methods: In this double blind clinical trial study 80 patients with acute nonproductive cough were enrolled with 40 patients in Dextrometorphan group and 40 patients in thyme group. Information was encoded before and 7 days after treatment and analyzed with EP16 software.

Results: Complete recovery rate was higher in Thyme group, but partial improvement was higher in Dextrometorphan group which was not significant (p<0.05). Side effects such as drowsiness, vertigo, headache, nausea and abdominal pain were not different between the 2 groups.  Irritability, convulsion, vomiting and skin allergy were not seen in 2 groups.

Conclusion: Therapeutic effects of thyme is similar to Dextrometorphan.