Echinaforce (R) and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold - A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial
Rm. Brinkeborn et al., Echinaforce (R) and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold - A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial, PHYTOMED, 6(1), 1999, pp. 1-6
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.