Effect of shir-e-khesht (billinaster drop) consumption by the neonates or their mothers on the neonatal icter

Icter is one of the most common problems found in a newborn baby. The risk of icter is related to the development of kernicterus. The neonatal icter is treated with phototherapy and exchange transfusion. In the Iranian traditional medicine shirekhesht from cotoneaster species plant is commonly used in the treatment of neonatal icter. This research aimed to investigate the effect of billinaster as an oral drop formulation on neonatal icter In this clinical trial 4 groups each with 30 members were compared after adjustment of age and billirubin level. The first group was treated with phototherapy and only their mothers received billinaster. The second group was treated with phototherapy and the mothers and neonates received billinaster. In the third group only neonates received billinaster and phototherapy and the last group was treated with phototherapy and placebo.Serum billirubin level was assayed 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hrs after treatment. Data were analyzed using Chi square, Variance analysis, Kruskal - Walis tests The level of billirubin was significantly decreat in all t groups (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the level of billirubin between the case and control groups (P<0.05) after 24 and 36 hrs, of treatment. The arerage time of hospitalization in the case groups was 35.3±15 and in the control group 70±2.21 (P<0.05). The result of this study showed that consumption of billinaster drop can cause a significant decrease in neonatal icter and also decrease in the hospitalization period. So, usage of the standard billinastar drop in order to cure the neonatal icter is suggested.