Evaluation of Whole Pomegranate Extract as Decongestant for Preparation before Diagnostic Rigid Nasal Endoscopy: a Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

The use of rigid nasal endoscopy is one of the common methods to investigate anomalies and pathologies of nasal cavities in the patients with sinonasal symptoms.
To identify the effect of whole pomegranate extract on pain relief during nasal endoscopy.
Adults candidate for rigid nasal endoscopy were enrolled from January 2015 to April 2015 in Loghman hospital. The patients were randomized in a double-blinded fashion, to receive two solutions; whole pomegranate extract(WPE) and shrinkage solution (SS) that was consisted of 5cc lidocaine 2% and 5cc phenylephrin 0.5 %. The principle outcomes were severity of pain and mucosal appearance during nasal endoscopy.
A total of 41 patients (mean age: 40.05±12.92) were studied. There were no significant differences in severity of pain and mucosal appearance between both groups.
A new point in modern medicine is using traditional medicine as a complementary arm. The natural elements can be sometimes a good alternative. The pomegranate extract probably has constrictive effects and can be an alternative for vasoconstrictor drugs. There is a need for stronger research in this field.