Alternative Medicine Review, June, 2004
Cohen HA, Varsano I, Kahan E, et al. Arch Pediatr Adolesc
Med 2004; 158:217-221.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a preparation
containing Echinacea, propolis, and
vitamin C in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in
children during a 12-week winter period.
DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
SUBJECTS: Four hundred thirty children, aged 1 to 5 years,
were randomized to an herbal extract preparation (n = 215)
or a placebo elixir (n = 215).
INTERVENTION: Administration of an herbal preparation (Chizukit)
containing 50 mg/mL of Echinacea, 50 mg/mL of propolis, and
10 mg/mL of vitamin C, or placebo (5.0 mL and 7.5 mL twice
daily for ages 1 to 3 years and 4 to 5 years, respectively)
for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Significant mean +/- SD reductions of
illnesses were seen in the Chizukit group in the number of
illness episodes, 138 vs 308 (55% reduction); number of
episodes per child, 0.9 +/- 1.1 vs 1.8 +/- 1.3 (50%
reduction, P<.001); and number of days with fever per child,
2.1 +/- 2.9 vs 5.4 +/- 4.4) (62% reduction, P<.001). The
total number of illness days and duration of individual
episodes were also significantly lower in the Chizukit
group. Adverse drug reactions were rare, mild, and
transient.
CONCLUSION: A preventive effect of a product containing Echinacea,
propolis, and vitamin C on the incidence
of respiratory tract infections was observed
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