Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Vernonia Cinerea (VC) Cookies for Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Background: Vernonia cinerea (VC) has been known as a herbal medicine for a long time. Recently, it was used for smoking cessation. The study investigated the effectiveness of VC cookies in smoking cessation, side effects and satisfaction with this product.

Methods: The study was designed as a quasi-experimental study. VC cookies were developed. A total of 63 subjects (high school students) were selected and all were current smokers. Each subject was selected into the VC or non-VC (Control) group. The study (VC) group received 5 VC pieces a day, whereas the control (non VC) group received 5 plain cookies per day for six months. All data were collected via a questionnaire paper. The descriptive and analytical analyses including Chi-square (χ2) test and Mann-Whitney–test, and adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used.

Results: The percentages of quitters in the study (VC) group were significantly higher than those in the control (non VC) group throughout 6 month periods (VC; 81.8, 97, 81.8%, Non-VC; 3.3, 6.7, 13.3%, p <.001, .001, and <.001, consecutively). Additionally, average carbon-monoxide (CO) levels of the VC group from 1-month to 6-month periods were significantly lower compared to the non VC group (p <.001). Common side effects of VC found, including; dry mouth and throat, high blood pressure.

Conclusion: Vernonia cinerea (VC) has been shown the high percentages of sustained abstinence rates with the decrease of CO levels compared to non VC group. Some minor side effects and positive feedback regarding VC cookies were also reported. Further investigations of the efficacy and safety of VC products should be conducted.