Alternative treatments used for the common cold: Difference between revisions

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Many herbal remedies have been suggested to treat the common cold. None however has been shown to be effective.[1]

Echinacea

Echinacea flower

Echinacea, commonly called coneflowers, is a plant commonly used in herbal preparations for the treatment of the common cold.

Although there have been scientific studies evaluating echinacea, its effectiveness has not been convincingly demonstrated. For example, a peer-reviewed clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that "…extracts of E. angustifolia root, either alone or in combination, do not have clinically significant effects on rhinovirus infection or on the clinical illness that results from it."[2][3] Recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adults have not shown a beneficial effect of echinacea on symptom severity or duration of the cold.[4][5] A structured review of 9 placebo controlled studies suggested that the effectiveness of echinacea in the treatment of colds has not been established.[6] Conversely, two recent meta-analyses of published medical articles concluded that there is some evidence that echinacea may reduce either the duration or severity of the common cold, but results are not fully consistent. However, there have been no large, randomized placebo-controlled clinical studies that definitively demonstrate either prophylaxis or therapeutic effects in adults.[7][8] A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 407 children of ages ranging from 2 to 11 years showed that echinacea did not reduce the duration of the cold, nor reduce the severity of the symptoms.[9] Most authoritative sources consider the effect of echinacea on the cold unsupported by evidence.[10][11][12][1][13][14]

Vitamin C

Blackcurrants are a good source of vitamin C

A well-known supporter of the theory that Vitamin C megadosage prevented infection was physical chemist Linus Pauling,[15] who wrote the bestseller Vitamin C and the Common Cold.[16] A meta-analysis published in 2005 found that "the lack of effect of prophylactic vitamin C supplementation on the incidence of common cold in normal populations throws doubt on the utility of this wide practice".[17]

A follow-up meta-analysis supported these conclusions:

[Prophylactic use] of vitamin C has no effect on common cold incidence ... [but] reduces the duration and severity of common cold symptoms slightly, although the magnitude of the effect was so small its clinical usefulness is doubtful. Therapeutic trials of high doses of vitamin C ... starting after the onset of symptoms, showed no consistent effect on either duration or severity of symptoms. ... More therapeutic trials are necessary to settle the question, especially in children who have not entered these trials.[18][19]

Most of the studies showing little or no effect employ doses of ascorbate such as 100 mg to 500 mg per day, considered "small" by vitamin C advocates.[who?] Equally important, the plasma half life of high dose ascorbate above the baseline, controlled by renal resorption, is approximately 30 minutes,[20][21] which implies that most high dose studies have been methodologically defective and would be expected to show a minimum benefit.[citation needed] Clinical studies of divided dose supplementation, predicted on pharmacological grounds to be effective, have only rarely been reported in the literature.[citation needed]

Zinc preparations

Zinc acetate and zinc gluconate have been tested as potential treatments for the common cold, in various dosage form including nasal sprays, nasal gels, and lozenges.[22][23] Some studies have shown some effect of zinc preparations on the duration of the common cold, but conclusions are diverse.[24][25][26] About half of studies demonstrate efficacy. Even studies that show clinical effect have not demonstrated the mechanism of action.[27] The studies differ in the salt used, concentration of the salt, dosage form, and formulation, and some suffer from defects in design or methods. For example, there is evidence that the potential efficacy of zinc gluconate lozenges may be affected by other food acids (citric acid, ascorbic acid and glycine) present in the lozenge.[28] Furthermore, interpretation of the results depends on whether concentration of total zinc or ionic zinc is considered.[29][30]

There are concerns regarding the safety of long-term use of cold preparations in an estimated 25 million persons who are haemochromatosis heterozygotes.[31] Use of high doses of zinc for more than two weeks may cause copper depletion, which leads to anemia.[32] Other adverse events of high doses of zinc include nausea, vomiting gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, drowsiness, unpleasant taste, taste distortion, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.[27][32] Some users of nasal spray applicators containing zinc have reported temporary or permanent loss of sense of smell.[33]

Although widely available and advertised in the United States as dietary supplements or homeopathic treatments, the safety and efficacy of zinc preparations have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Authoritative sources consider the effect of zinc preparations on the cold unproven.[12][1]

A recent study showed that zinc acetate lozenges (13.3 mg zinc) shortened the duration and reduced the severity of common colds compared to placebo in a placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial. Intracellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was inhibited by the ionic zinc present in the active lozenges, and the difference was statistically significant between the groups. [34]

Steam inhalation

Many people believe that steam inhalation reduces symptoms of the cold.[35] However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study found no effect of steam inhalation on cold symptoms.[36] A scientific review of medical literature concluded that "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of steam inhalation as a treatment."[37] There have been reports of children being badly burned when using steam inhalation to alleviate cold symptoms leading to the recommendation to "...start discouraging patients from using this form of home remedy, as there appears to be no significant benefit from steam inhalation."[38]

Chicken soup

In the twelfth century, Moses Maimonides wrote, "Chicken soup...is recommended as an excellent food as well as medication."[39] Since then, there have been numerous reports in the United States that chicken soup alleviates the symptoms of the common cold. Even usually staid medical journals have published tongue-in-cheek humorous articles on the alleged medicinal properties of chicken soup.[40][41][42]

References

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference ALA2005 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Turner, Ronald B. (2005-07-28). "An Evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in Experimental Rhinovirus Infections". New England Journal of Medicine. 353 (4): 341–348. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa044441. PMID 16049208. Retrieved 2007-02-12. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  3. ^ Kolata, Gina (2006-07-28). "Study Says Popular Herb Has No Effect on Colds". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
  4. ^ Yale SH, Liu K (2004). "Echinacea purpurea therapy for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial". Arch. Intern. Med. 164 (11): 1237–41. doi:10.1001/archinte.164.11.1237. PMID 15197051.
  5. ^ Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, Maberry R, Bobula JA, D'Alessio D (2002). "Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Ann. Intern. Med. 137 (12): 939–46. doi:10.1001/archinte.137.7.939. PMID 12484708.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Caruso TJ, Gwaltney JM (2005). "Treatment of the common cold with echinacea: a structured review". Clin. Infect. Dis. 40 (6): 807–10. doi:10.1086/428061. PMID 15736012.
  7. ^ Shah, Sachin A (2007). "Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis". The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 7 (7): 473–480. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(07)70160-3. PMID 17597571. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Linde, K (2006). "Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold". Cochrane database of systematic reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub2. PMID 16437427. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, Quinn H, Goesling J, McGann M, Calabrese C (2003). "Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial". JAMA. 290 (21): 2824–30. doi:10.1001/jama.290.21.2824. PMID 14657066.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference NIAID2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference pmid17323712 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Merck was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ The Natural Standard Research Collaboration (2006-08-01). "Echinacea (E. angustifolia DC, E. pallida, E. purpurea)". Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved 2007-11-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "Echinacea". University of Maryland Medical Center. 2005-09-22. Retrieved 2007-11-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ "Pauling L, The Significance of the Evidence about Ascorbic Acid and the Common Cold, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1971 November; 68(11): 2678–2681".
  16. ^ Pauling, Linus (1970). Vitamin C and the common cold. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman. ISBN 0-7167-0159-6.
  17. ^ Douglas RM, Hemilä H (2005). "Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold". PLoS Med. 2 (6): e168. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0020168. PMID 15971944.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  18. ^ Douglas R, Hemilä H, Chalker E, Treacy B (2007). "Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Online) (3): CD000980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub3. PMID 17636648.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ "Vitamin C 'does not stop colds'". BBC. 2007-07-18. Retrieved 2007-05-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ "Padayatty SL et al, "Vitamin C Pharmacokinetics: Implications for Oral and Intravenous Use," Ann Intern Med. 2004 Apr 6;140(7):533-7".
  21. ^ "Researchers Question Government Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C, PR Web, July 7, 2004".
  22. ^ Eby GA, Davis DR, Halcomb WW (1984). "Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study". Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 25 (1): 20–4. PMID 6367635.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Macknin, ML (1999). "Zinc lozenges for the common cold". Cleve Clin J Med. 66 (1): 27–32. PMID 9926628. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  24. ^ Jeffrey L. Jackson, Emil Lesho and Cecily Peterson (2000-05-01). "Zinc and the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis Revisited". Journal of Nutrition. 130 (Supplement): 1512–15. PMID 10801968.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  25. ^ Hulisz, D (2003). "Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview". J Am Pharm Assoc. 44 (5): 594–603. doi:10.1331/1544-3191.44.5.594.Hulisz. PMID 15496046.
  26. ^ Jackson JL, Peterson C, Lesho E (1997). "A meta-analysis of zinc salts lozenges and the common cold". Arch Intern Med. 157 (20): 2373–6. doi:10.1001/archinte.157.20.2373. PMID 9361579.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ a b "MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements: Zinc". 2006-08-01. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Eby GA (2004). "Zinc lozenges: cold cure or candy? Solution chemistry determinations". Biosci Rep. 24 (1): 23–39. doi:10.1023/B:BIRE.0000037754.71063.41. PMID 15499830.
  29. ^ Eby, George (2006). "Ineffectiveness of zinc gluconate nasal spray and zinc orotate lozenges in common-cold treatment: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial". Altern Ther Health Med. 12 (1): 34–38. PMID 16454145. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ Darrell T. Hulisz. "Zinc and the Common Cold: What Pharmacists Need to Know". Retrieved 2007-09-22.
  31. ^ Barton JC, Bertoli LF (1997). "Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold". Ann Intern Med. 126 (9): 738–9. PMID 9139564.
  32. ^ a b "Zinc". PDRhealth. Thomson Healthcare. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
  33. ^ Sandra G. Boodman (2006-01-31). "Paying Through the Nose: Maker of Cold Spray Settles Lawsuits for $12 Million but Denies Claim That Zinc Product Ruined Users' Sense of Smell". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2007-09-10. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ Prasad AS (2008). "Duration and Severity of Symptoms and Levels of Plasma Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor, and Adhesion Molecules in Patients with Common Cold Treated with Zinc Acetate". JID. 197 (1): 795–802. doi:10.1086/528803. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
  35. ^ Braun BL, Fowles JB, Solberg L, Kind E, Healey M, Anderson R (2000). "Patient beliefs about the characteristics, causes, and care of the common cold: an update". The Journal of Family Practice. 49 (2): 153–6. PMID 10718693.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ Forstall GJ, Macknin ML, Yen-Lieberman BR, Medendrop SV (1994). "Effect of inhaling heated vapor on symptoms of the common cold". JAMA. 271 (14): 1109–11. doi:10.1001/jama.271.14.1109. PMID 8151854.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ Singh M (2006). "Heated, humidified air for the common cold". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 3: CD001728. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001728.pub3. PMID 16855975.
  38. ^ Akhavani MA, Baker RH (2005). "Steam inhalation treatment for children". Br J Gen Pract. 55 (516): 557. PMC 1472796. PMID 16004753.
  39. ^ Rosner, F (1980). "Therapeutic efficacy of chicken soup". Chest. 78 (4): 672–674. doi:10.1378/chest.78.4.672. PMID 7191367. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  40. ^ Rennard, Barbara O. (2000). "Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro". Chest. 118 (4): 1150–1157. doi:10.1378/chest.118.4.1150. PMID 11035691. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  41. ^ Caroline, NL. (1975). "Chicken soup rebound and relapse of pneumonia". Chest. 67 (2): 215–216. doi:10.1378/chest.67.2.215. PMID 1090422. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  42. ^ Ohry, Abraham (1999-12-14). "Is chicken soup an essential drug?". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 161 (12). PMID 10624412. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
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