An Evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in Experimental Rhinovirus Infections
Turner RB, Bauer R, Woelkart K, Hulsey TC, Gangemi JD
Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Methodology
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled challenge trial of three Echinacea angustifolia root extracts given before and after experimental rhinovirus inoculation in 437 volunteers.
Key Findings
No extract produced statistically significant effects on rates of infection, viral titres, symptom severity or interleukin-8 or neutrophil responses.
Conclusions
Echinacea angustifolia extracts had no detectable effect on rhinovirus infection or illness in this rigorous challenge model.
Limitations
Single species and dosing schedule; experimental infection may differ from natural colds.
Supplements Studied
No extract produced statistically significant effects on rates of infection, viral titres or symptom severity.
Outcomes Measured
No extract produced statistically significant effects on rates of infection or symptom severity.
Study Details
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