Positive Health Online

Abstract

COHEN and colleagues, Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Community Clinic, Petach Tikva, Israel, hermanc@post.tau.ac.il, have assessed the effectiveness of a herbal preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children.

Background

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled multicentre study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a herbal preparation in preventing respiratory tract infections in children during a 12-week winter period.

Methodology

430 children between 1 and 5 years of age were randomized to either herbal preparation or placebo elixir. The preparation (Chizukit) contained 50 mg/ml of echinacea, 50 mg/ml or propolis, and 10 mg/ml or vitamin C, or placebo. It was administered for 12 weeks at doses of 5 ml twice daily for ages 1 to 3 and 7.5 ml twice daily for ages 4-5.

Results

In the treatment group, the number of illness episodes was smaller by about 50%, and also the number of days with fever. The duration of illness episodes was significantly reduced. Adverse reactions were rare, mild, and transient.

Conclusion

The herbal preparation, Chizukit, containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in fairly high doses proved to be an effective prevention of respiratory tract infections in children.

References

Cohen HA, Varsano I, Kahan E, Sarrell EM, Uziel Y. Effectiveness of an herbal preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in preventing respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 158 (3): 217-221, Mar 2004.