Effectiveness of an herbal preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in preventing respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.
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.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Four hundred thirty children, aged 1 to 5 years, were randomized to an herbal extract preparation (n = 215) or a placebo elixir (n = 215).


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
A preventive effect of a product containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C on the incidence of respiratory tract infections was observed.
Pediatric and Adolescent Ambulatory Community Clinic, Petach Tikva, Israel. hermanc@post.tau.ac.il
Herman A
HA
Cohen
Itzchak
I
Varsano
Ernesto
E
Kahan
E Michael
EM
Sarrell
Yosef
Y
Uziel
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D020900:Echinacea; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011429:Propolis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*
D028321:Plant Preparations; D011429:Propolis; D001205:Ascorbic Acid