Positive Health Online

Abstract

SCHULTEN and colleagues, Company Medical Service, Madaus AG, Cologne, Germany, b.schulten@madaus.de, investigated the efficacy and speed of onset of action of Echinaceae purpureae herba in relieving common cold symptoms .

Background

Common colds are one of the most frequent acute illnesses with major economical impact. Echinaceae purpureae herba (Echinacin, EC31JO) has shown promising results in the relief of common cold symptoms and the time taken to improvement compared with placebo. The present study aimed to confirm these findings.

Methodology

80 adult male and female patients with first signs of a cold were recruited into this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The primary endpoint measure was the number of days of illness with a complete picture of the common cold (defined by the modified Jackson score of at least 5 points and experience of rhinorrhoea and/or a subjective sensation of having a cold).

Results

Median time to illness in the Echinaceae-treated group was significantly lower than in the placebo group (6.0 days versus 9.0 days; p=0.0112, one-sided test), assigning zero time for patients without a complete picture.

Conclusion

EC31JO was well tolerated and clinically effective in alleviating symptoms more rapidly than placebo in patients with a common cold.

References

Schulten B et al. Efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in patients with a common cold. A placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Arzneimittel Forschung 51 (7): 563-8. 2001.