Effect of vernonia cinerea lozenges as a smoking cessation aid in patients with non-communicable diseases

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the effect of Vernonia Cinerea (VC) lozenges on smoking cessation when compared with a placebo. Methods: This study is designed as a randomized, paralleled, double-blinded, controlled trial. Ninety-three patients who are the age 18 years or over at five hospitals and two community pharmacies were randomized to receive VC lozenges (n=45) or placebo (n=48) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome in this study is the continuous abstinence rate (CARs) at 4 and 12 weeks after the quit date.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in CARs rates at week 4 in the study and the control group (18% vs 3%; p = 0.083; Odds ratio [OR] 6.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.78-60.47)). There was also no statistically significant difference in CARs rates at week 12 in the research and the control group (14% vs 4%; p = 0.244; OR 3.84, 95% CI 0.40-36.86). The most common adverse events in the study group were tongue numbness , dry mouth, and anorexia. Conclusion: The study’s findings show that VC lozenges do not increase smoking cessation rates.