Echinaforce (R) and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold - A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study was to i nvestigate the efficacy and safety of different doses and preparations of E CHINACEA purpurea in the treatment of common cold. 246 of 559 recruited hea lthy, adult volunteers caught a common cold and took 3 times daily 2 tablet s of either Echinaforce(R) (Echinacea purpurea-preparation from 95% herba a nd 5% radix), Echinacea purpurea concentrate (same preparation at 7 times h igher concentration), special Echinacea purpurea radix preparation (totally different from that of Echinaforce(R)) or placebo until they felt healthy again but not longer than 7 days. The primary endpoint was the relative red uction of the complaint index defined by 12 symptoms during common cold acc ording to the doctor's record. Echinaforce(R) and its concentrated preparat ion were significantly more effective than the special Echinacea extract or placebo. All treatments were well tolerated. Among the Echinacea groups th e frequency of adverse events was not significantly higher than in the plac ebo group. Therefore, Echinacea concentrate as well as Echinacea(R) represe nt a low-risk and effective alternative to the standard symptomatic medicin es in the acute treatment of common cold.