Sinupret (BNO 1016)
Sinupret is a fixed extract of five herbs (gentian root, primula flower, sorrel, elderflower and verbena) and one of the few sinus remedies tested in large placebo-controlled trials. In acute viral sinusitis it brings relief about two days sooner than placebo; in chronic sinusitis the main trial missed its primary goal. Nearly all the trials were run by the manufacturer.
Where to buy
Bionorica, Sinupret®, Adult Strength, 50 Tablets
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What the science says
- Faster recovery from acute viral sinusitis Moderate evidence
A pooled analysis of two randomized placebo-controlled trials (589 patients, 160 mg three times daily for 15 days) found a lower symptom score at the end of treatment with BNO 1016 than with placebo, a difference of 1.16 points, and better patient-rated quality of life. In the larger of the two trials relief came two days earlier than with placebo, and 8 patients had to be treated for one extra patient to be healed. Both trials were sponsored by the manufacturer, and most people recover from acute sinusitis on their own either way.
- Chronic sinusitis Limited evidence
In a 12-week trial with 929 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, Sinupret extract was not better than placebo on the primary endpoint. A benefit appeared only in a post-hoc subgroup with more severe, specialist-diagnosed disease lasting more than a year, which is a hypothesis to test rather than a result.
- An alternative to antibiotics Limited evidence
Acute viral sinusitis does not need antibiotics in the first place, so Sinupret is better seen as an option for symptom relief than as a replacement for them. An independent systematic review of herbal treatments for acute rhinosinusitis concluded that BNO 1016 might be helpful but that the number of trials was small and their quality uneven.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- antibiotics prescribed for bacterial sinusitis
No interaction is known, but Sinupret does not treat a bacterial infection. take the antibiotic as prescribed; Sinupret only adds symptom relief
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sinupret work for sinusitis?
For acute viral sinusitis, Sinupret (BNO 1016) has moderate evidence: in manufacturer-run trials relief came about two days sooner than with placebo. For chronic sinusitis the main 929-patient trial missed its primary goal, so the evidence there is limited.
How many Sinupret tablets a day?
The acute sinusitis trials used one 160 mg tablet of BNO 1016 extract three times daily, 480 mg a day, for 15 days. Older coated Sinupret tablets (BNO 101) contain less extract, so follow your product's label.
Can Sinupret replace antibiotics?
Acute viral sinusitis does not need antibiotics anyway, so Sinupret is a symptom-relief option, not a substitute for treating a bacterial infection. See a doctor for high fever, severe facial pain or symptoms lasting more than 10 days.
Does Sinupret have side effects?
Sinupret was generally well tolerated in trials; stomach upset and nausea are the most common complaints, and allergic skin reactions are possible. It has not been studied in pregnancy, and the drops can contain alcohol.
Scientific references
- Clinical efficacy of a dry extract of five herbal drugs in acute viral rhinosinusitis
- Herbal drug BNO 1016 is safe and effective in the treatment of acute viral rhinosinusitis
- Assessment of efficacy and safety of the herbal medicinal product BNO 1016 in chronic rhinosinusitis
- A Systematic Review of Phytotherapy for Acute Rhinosinusitis
Related in Immunity
- Vitamin C Limited evidence
- Zinc Moderate evidence
- Elderberry Limited evidence
- L-Lysine Limited evidence
- Echinacea Limited evidence
- Andrographis Moderate evidence