Determination of Elements by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Medicinal Plants Employed to Alleviate Common Cold Symptoms

Eleven important medicinal plants generally used by the people of Turkey for the treatment of common cold have been studied for their mineral contents.Eleven minor and major elements(essential,non-essential and toxic)were identified in the Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L.,Althaea officinalis L.,Verbascum phlomoides L.,Euphorbia chamaesyce L.,Zizyphus jujube Miller,Peganum harmala L.,Arum dioscoridis Sm.,Sambucus nigra L.,Piper longum L.,Tussilago farfara L.and Elettaria cardamomum Maton by employing flame atomic absorption and emission spectrometry and electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry.Microwave digestion procedure for total concentration was applied under optimized conditions for dissolution of medicinal plants.Plant based biological certified reference materials(CRMs)served as standards for quantification.These elements are found to be present in varying concentrations in the studied plants.The baseline data presented in this work can be used in understanding the role of essential,non-essential and toxic elements in nutritive,preventive and therapeutic properties of medicinal plants.

Randomized, Double Blind and Placebo Controlled Study Using a Combination of Two Probiotic Lactobacilli to Alleviate Symptoms and Frequency of Common Cold

Purpose: The efficacy of ProbiDefendum, a combination of the two lactobacilli Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 and Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2, on the severity, duration and frequency of cold episodes was studied in a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. Methods: A total of 310 subjects with increased risk for common cold infection (at least two episodes of common cold during the last six months) were enrolled and were randomly assigned to receive either active product (A-group) or placebo (P-group) over a period of 12 weeks. Subjects reported the occurrence and severity of cold episodes in a diary, scoring 13 different symptoms of common cold over a period of 7 days after the episode began. Results: In the total study population, cold episodes were reported in 148 cases (47.7%). In the A-group, 54 subjects acquired one and 18 subjects acquired 2 episodes whereas 83 subjects had none. In the P-group, 52 subjects reported one, 24 subjects reported 2 episodes and 79 subjects reported none. Although the number of episodes was similar in both groups, cold episodes in the active group were significantly shorter than in the placebo group. The total sum scores of cold symptoms were significantly lower in the active group as compared with the placebo group, as well as in the intention-to-treat (ITT) as in the per-protocol (PP) collectives (ITT: 75.2 ± 40.3 vs. 113.4 ± 66.3;p 0.001;PP: 73.1 ± 38.8 vs. 117.0 ± 66.1;p 0.001). The daily ingestion of the probiotics over a period of 12 weeks was well tolerated. Conclusion: The daily intake of the probiotic dietary supplement ProbiDefendum over a period of 12 weeks efficiently alleviated symptoms of common cold and the duration of cold episodes.

A Survey of the Experience and Impact of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections on People in Six Countries in the 2011/2012 Common Cold and Flu Season

Introduction: Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) are the most common infectious diseases of humankind. While usually mild and self-limiting, they are characterized by a series of simultaneously occurring symptoms/ signs that are sufficiently disruptive to sufferers’ normal activities in which medication is frequently sought. While the literature has many examples of epidemiological studies on these infections, there are few reports on patient experience and impact. This study was designed to investigate these aspects of Common Cold/Flu across six countries. Methods: A minimum of 500 adults aged 18 and older were recruited in each of six countries (Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russia, and the US) using customary survey research sampling techniques. Single 30-minute (online) or 40-minute door-to-door quantitative questionnaires with c. 50 questions were completed with each participant by the global research firm Ipsos. Main Findings: Across countries, incidence and seasonality of infections reported to this study were consistent with published data. There appears to be a need for patient education on the causes and transmission routes of respiratory infections. Getting good quality sleep and being able to continue with daily activities as an infection resolves are significant drivers to therapy. The most common non-prescription therapies reported were multi-ingredient products in line with the simultaneously occurring multi-symptom nature of the condition(s). Conclusions: This study indicated that acute URTIs exert a significant deleterious effect on sufferers. Public health education, possibly best undertaken by Pharmacists has the potential to impact the extent of virus transmission by ensuring that people know the true cause of the infection, how it is transmitted and how best to combat this. The several simultaneously occurring symptoms encourage sufferers to seek multi-ingredient remedies to allow them to continue with normal activities as their infection resolves naturally.

Identification and Treatment of Swine Influenza and Common Cold in Veterinary Clinic

[Objective] The paper was to investigate the differentiation and treatment of swine influenza and common cold in veterinary clinic.[Method] The clinical data of diseased pigs from May 2017 to May 2018 were analyzed retrospectively to explore the clinical treatment methods for swine influenza and common cold, and the effectiveness and accuracy of clinical diagnosis was further improved. [Result] Through in-depth analysis of test results, we obtained a comprehensive understanding of the main causes of swine influenza and common cold, and found that the causes in-cluded improper breeding management of pigs, nutrition of pigs and lack of immunity of newborn pigs. [Conclusion] Analysis of the causes of swine influenza and common cold and suggestion of targeted clinical treatment measures will reduce the incidence of swine disease, and promote the vet-erinary clinical treatment effect of swine influenza and common cold.

Common Bean Germplasm Diversity Study for Cold Tolerance in Ethiopia

Limited tolerance of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to cold temperatures hinders an additional harvest during the small rainy season crop cycle (February to May) in the Ethiopian highlands that comprise two-thirds of the country. Therefore, identification of cold tolerant common bean genotypes is of paramount importance for the region. Field screening of 99 common bean genotypes originally procured from CIAT (International Center for Tropical Agriculture) was carried out for nine different plant traits associated with crop growth and yield at two locations differing in climates: Dire Dawa-higher daily maximum and minimum temperatures and absence of near zero chilling temperatures from February to May;Haramaya-lower daily maximum and minimum temperatures and occasionally near zero chilling temperatures during this period. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the existence of significant variation among genotypes for the parameters measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to assess the variation and correlation among genotypes for the traits and group them based on their performance at the two locations. The combination of first three principal components explained more than 50% of the genotypic variations. Principal component analysis was also able to discriminate the performance of genotypes between the two locations. It was grouped into at least 17 genotypes that were specific to Haramaya highland location. The results also revealed significant variation in performance among the 17 genotypes. These genotypes are specific to Ethiopian highlands and prominent resources for in-situ conservation of germplasms.

Amino Acid Composition Reduces Frequency of Common Colds. Results of a Controlled Randomised Completely Masked Trial

Purpose: Special nutrients have an impact on common cold infections. In this trial we have investigated the effectiveness of the specific amino acid composition “aminoplus? immun” on the occurrence, duration and severity of common cold. Material and Methods: Our study is a controlled, randomised completely masked trial comparing genuine trial remedy versus placebo in parallel groups. Eligible subjects were people with recurrent and chronic infections of the ear, nose and pharyngeal area. The treatment period was 90 days. The primary outcome was the mean number of days that the patients had symptoms of infections. Results: From Oct. 2009 to Feb. 2010 a total of 145 patients were recruited, of whom 119 had no major protocol violation and were valid for assessment. Two thirds of the patients were female. The mean age of the patients was 45 years. 65% of participants had come into contact with many people and thereby an increased risk of infection. On average the patients had 11.1 infections during the 12 months before the study. Compliance for the intake of the study preparation was 98.9%. Due to randomisation, the groups were very similar and balanced. The primary and all 6 secondary outcome variables showed a clear superiority of the investigated amino acid composition over placebo (p Conclusion: The specific composition “aminoplus? immun is effective in preventing recurrent and chronic infections of the ear, nose and upper respiratory tract.

Efficacy of a Novel Antibody TLR3 Modulator in the Self-Treatment of Common Cold: The ESTUAR Trial

Context: Since the discovery of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), no specific tools have been developed to modulate its activity in upper respiratory tract viral infections (URTIs). ContafluTM (antibodies to TLR3 cytoplasmic fragment) is the first specific TLR3 modulator that showed efficacy in a mouse model of influenza. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Contaflu in URTI. Methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in adults with self-reported URTI (the ESTUAR trial) was conducted in 2012/2013 in Belgium. Adult outpatients started a 7-day treatment course with oral tablets of Contaflu or placebo within 36 h after onset of at least one of 4 typical symptoms of URTI. Patients were examined twice by their general practitioners, on days 2-3 and 10-14 after start of treatment. The primary endpoint was the overall severity of URTI calculated as the sum of Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) scores over the follow-up. Independent Student’s t test was used to compare the disease severity between groups. Results: A total of 243 patients were enrolled by 32 investigators (121 Contaflu, 122 placebo);92% of cases matched ICD codes J00 or J06. Most patients had very mild (41.8%) or mild (18.2%) URTI symptoms. In the ITT cohort, neither primary nor secondary outcome measures (duration of URTI, day-to-day and overall functional impairments) showed statistically significant differences between groups. The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups. In patients with moderate to severe URTI symptoms, Contaflu tended to reduce the overall disease severity, daily symptoms, and to improve the functional state. Due to the small size of the corresponding subgroups, Contaflu efficacy on daily scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05) only 1, 2, and 5 days after start of treatment. Conclusion: Contaflu was ineffective in mild URTI and showed efficacy in moderate to severe URTI cases.

Efficacy of a Topical Aromatic Rub (Vicks VapoRub^®) on Effects on Self-Reported and Actigraphically Assessed Aspects of Sleep in Common Cold Patients

Common cold sufferers frequently report sleep disruption during the symptomatic period of infections. We examined the effects of treatment with a topical aromatic pharmaceutical ointment (Vicks VapoRub?), on associated sleep disturbances. The effects of Vicks VapoRub? versus placebo (petrolatum ointment) on subjective and objective measured sleep parameters were assessed in an exploratory study of 100 common cold patients, in a randomized, single blind, controlled, two-arm, parallel design study. The primary efficacy variable was subjective sleep quality measured with the SQSQ (Subjective Quality of Sleep Questionnaire). Additional measures included, ease of falling asleep and depth of sleep (measured with a post-sleep Visual Analog Scale), total sleep time, sleep onset latency, activity score, percentage of sleep, sleep efficiency (measured with actigraphy and SQSQ) and sleep quality index measured with a modified Karolinska Sleep Diary (KSD). The primary endpoint, “How was the quality of your sleep last night?” showed a statistically significant difference in change from baseline in favour of VapoRub treatment (p = 0.0392) versus placebo. Positive effects of VapoRub versus placebo were also observed for “How refreshed did you feel upon waking up?” (p = 0.0122) (SQSQ), “Did you get enough sleep?” (p = 0.0036) (KSD), “How was it to get up?” (p = 0.0120) (KSD) and “Do you feel well-rested?” (p = 0.0125) (KSD). No statistically significant changes from baseline versus placebo were detected in the Actiwatch endpoints. Vicks VapoRub? when applied before retiring to bed can reduce subjective sleep disturbances during a common cold. The results of this exploratory study support the belief among patients that the use of VapoRub improves subjective sleep quality during common cold which was associated with more refreshing sleep.

A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Pilot Clinical Study on ColdZyme^(■) Mouth Spray against Rhinovirus-Induced Common Cold

Common colds incur significant costs in terms of sick leave and personal discomfort for affected individuals. This study investigated the performance of ColdZyme? Mouth Spray (ColdZyme), a protective barrier against common cold, in rhinovirus-inoculated healthy volunteers. This randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted on 46 healthy volunteers inoculated with rhinovirus 16 via the nose. Subjects self-administered ColdZyme or placebo 6 times daily for 11 days. Symptoms were recorded daily in a diary. Rhinovirus 16 in nasal and oropharyngeal samples at days 0, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10 were quantified by RT-qPCR. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in viral load in oropharyngeal samples. Rhinovirus 16 was only detected in 35 out of 46 inoculated subjects. Exploratory analysis measuring the total viral load (i.e., area under the curve (AUC)) for days 3 - 10 in successfully inoculated subjects found that ColdZyme treatment resulted in a lower total viral load in the oropharynx (p = 0.023). In subjects who experienced symptomatic common cold, irrespectively, if virus were detected, treatment with ColdZyme resulted in a reduction in the number of days with common cold symptoms from 6.5 to 3.0 days (p = 0.014) in comparison to placebo. ColdZyme reduced virus infection in the oropharynx and reduced the number of days with common cold symptoms and highlights the possible importance of the oropharynx in common cold infections. Suitable outcome measures for a feasible study on ColdZyme are total viral load in the oropharynx in subjects having detectable virus present in nasal or oropharyngeal samples.

Evaluation of ColdZyme Mouth Spray against Common Cold in Preschool Staff

The common cold is one of the most frequently encountered infectious diseases in humans and, despite the modest severity in most cases;it presents a significant economic burden upon society and individuals. ColdZyme? Mouth Spray (ColdZyme?, Enzymatica AB, Lund, Sweden) is a mouth spray intended to reduce the probability of catching a cold and can also help shorten the duration of a cold if used at an early stage of the infection, by forming a barrier on the oropharyngeal mucous membrane. This study evaluated the effect of ColdZyme? on common cold related sick-leave in preschool (kindergarten) staff. Fifteen preschool staff members were evaluated over a 6-month period and ColdZyme? was used according to instructions. Sick-leave days were recorded and compared to historical data. The number of average sick leave days decreased during the period from 7.4 days to 4.1 days (p = 0.04). It is notable that, if occurring, the majority of subjects perceived a common cold infection as milder than usual. Conclusion: Using ColdZyme? to apply a barrier to the pharyngeal mucous membrane may be an easy and practical way to prevent or reduce infections and corresponding sick leave in personnel from the preschool environment.

Evaluation of ColdZyme Mouth Spray against Common Cold in Elderly Care Personnel

ColdZyme? Mouth Spray (ColdZyme) is a mouth spray intended to reduce the probability of catching a cold and/or can help shorten the duration of a cold if used at an early stage of the infection, by forming a barrier on the pharyngeal mucous membrane. This study evaluated the preventative effect of ColdZyme on common cold infections in personnel at elderly care facilities, and assessed the level of reduction in corresponding sick leave. The number of sick-leave days for the personnel decreased from an average of 5.2 days to 3.7 days (29%) when using ColdZyme compared to control period (p = 0.054). 63% of those who had a cold reported the symptoms to be milder than previous colds. Conclusion: Using ColdZyme? Mouth Spray to apply a barrier to the oropharynx may be an easy and practical way to prevent or reduce infections of the common cold virus and corresponding sick leave in personnel working in elderly care.

Acupuncture Treatment of Common Cold

Case HistoryMs.Li,a 58-year-old retired cadre,paid herfirst visit on Dec.7,1998,with the chief complaintsof headache,fever,nasal obstruction,cough,andgeneral pain with anhidrosis for two days.Whenplaying with her grandson in the yard in the

User Experience of ColdZyme Mouth Spray against Common Cold in Competitive Athletes

ColdZyme? Mouth Spray (ColdZyme) is intended to reduce the probability of catching a cold and/or can help shorten the duration of a cold, if used at an early stage of the infection, by forming a barrier on the pharyngeal mucous membrane. The user experience of ColdZyme on naturally occurring common cold infections was evaluated in competitive athletes training professionally or on an amateur level. Thirteen athletes completed weekly electronic surveys on occurrence of common colds, cold severity and user experience over the course of 3 months. The 13 participants reported in total 15 cold incidents with an average duration of 7.4 days. The average cold severity was 31.2 on a visual-analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (mildest possible cold) to 100 (worst possible cold). The overall user satisfaction with ColdZyme was high. 81% of the reported colds were experienced to be milder and/or shorter than usual. None of the participants reported “No effect”. Out of the participants who reported absence of a cold in the previous week, 69% reported a positive answer to the question if ColdZyme had prevented them from catching a cold in the previous week. Conclusion: The present study evaluated prevention and alleviation of naturally occurring common cold in athletes, and demonstrated that ColdZyme may be an easy and practical way for competitive athletes to prevent or reduce infections of the common cold virus and corresponding unwanted absence from training and competition. Due to the lack of a comparator group, a placebo effect cannot be excluded.

Rationale for Treatment of Common Cold and Flu with Multi-Ingredient Combination Products for Multi-Symptom Relief in Adults

This up-to-date overview will look at the rationale for the recommendation of combination products for multi-symptom relief of common cold and flu. Common cold and flu are defined by their multi-symptom nature with data showing a variety of symptoms reported simultaneously each day over the first six days of illness. Multi-ingredient combination products for multi-symptom relief are formulated to safely, simply, and simultaneously treat multiple symptoms when used as directed. The rationale for the formulation combination products for common cold and flu is therefore practical, logical and reasonable. No evidence has been found that multi-symptom relief medicines are inherently less safe than single-active ingredient medicines. Multi-symptom relief combination products containing several active ingredients provide a safe, effective, cost-effective, and convenient way of treating the multiple symptoms of common cold and flu, when used as directed. This therapy requires some special information for the patient to be provided by the physician and the pharmacist.

Evaluation of ColdZyme Mouth Spray for the Protection against Common Cold in Elite Athletes to Reduce Unwanted Absence from Training and Competition

This study evaluated the protective effect of ColdZyme on common cold infections in elite athletes from three different sports (biathlon, ice-hockey and handball), and assessed the level of reduction in corresponding sick days. The biathlon team (n = 11) and the ice-hockey team (n = 29) significantly reduced the average number of sick days by 51% respectively 67% compared to historical data. No historical data on sick days was available for the handball team but 76% of those who experiences a cold during the study period reported little or very little impact on training and competition. Conclusion: Using ColdZyme may be an easy and practical way for elite athletes to protect themselves against the common cold and to prevent corresponding unwanted absence from training and competition.

Multi-Symptom Relief for Cough & Cold: Benefits of Adding Vicks VapoRub to the Treatment Regimen

Background: The common cold is inarguably a multi-symptom syndrome. Thus, patients commonly use several medicinal products simultaneously to treat a range of co-existing clinical manifestations. Topical ointments with medicated vapours are a popular and effective treatment for the relief of various respiratory tract symptoms. Vicks VapoRub (VVR), a paraffin-based therapeutic ointment containing levomenthol, eucalyptus oil, turpentine oil and camphor, is frequently combined with other cough and cold treatments. However, little is known about which medications are commonly taken together and how patients experience the combined efficacy. Methods: A 20-question online survey to assess habits and beliefs amongst cold sufferers was conducted using the Toluna Start platform. A total of 1513 adults that had suffered from a cold or mild COVID-19 infection in the preceding 12 months were recruited from five European countries. Results: Most cold sufferers combined VVR with other cold medicines, such as paracetamol (75.9%), multi-symptom relief (MSR) products (64.0%) or nasal decongestants (57.0%) to treat their symptoms. VVR was mainly used topically, at night, and on days 3 - 4 of the disease. The addition of VVR to the treatment regimen was perceived as highly effective at relieving multiple cold symptoms. Furthermore, improved sleep and a free breathing sensation were attributed to VVR when used in combination with other cold remedies. Statements on VVR regarding effectiveness, sleep, sleep + effectiveness, speed of action and user satisfaction were agreed upon by a total of 74.8% to 88.3% of panellists. Conclusion: Our survey confirms that in Europe, VVR is commonly used as part of a regimen to manage cold symptoms, and contributes to better overall perceived relief as part of a multi-facetted treatment approach. Prospective clinical data are needed to further confirm these results.

外感热病共性病机及传变机制探讨

探讨外感热病共性病机及传变机制。指出外邪侵袭,导致卫气抗邪,正邪相争,阳气壅郁,从而表现出一系列的热病证候,病机特点为“郁-虚”。以“气血-体用”论概括热病证候传变规律,将热病病程概括为气、血两个阶段,其中气分阶段包括卫分等,以功能失调为主;血分统营分,以实质损害为主,兼有更加严重的功能失调。外感热病重症转化病机包括热盛动血、热闭心包、热盛动风、化源欲绝、少阴寒化及正气外脱等。

古代医籍对于小儿急性上呼吸道感染的认识

急性上呼吸道感染是现代临床上的常见病、多发病。与成人患病有所不同,小儿由于特殊的生理特征而更易发生急性上呼吸道感染,且多存在患病后夹杂兼证的情况。从中医医史的角度系统研究小儿急性上呼吸道传染病,探讨古代医籍对小儿急性上呼吸道感染认识的历史沿革,有利于对该病作出深入认识和鉴别诊断。本研究总体上以纵向历史时代为序,通过列举大量中医古籍中的具体实例,系统梳理了历代中医古籍中对该病病名范畴、病因病机、小儿生理与发病以及兼挟证等方面的记载,并相应地进行特点探析和分析总结,从古代医籍的角度总结各个历史阶段对该病关键特征的认识,以期为现代临床正确认识、鉴别和诊治该病提供充分的理论依据与辨证思路。

柴银口服液治疗小儿风热感冒的临床效果

目的观察柴银口服液治疗小儿风热感冒的临床效果。方法选取2022年7月至2023年7月寿光市人民医院东院区儿科接诊的88例风热感冒患儿作为研究对象,按照奇偶数法分为参照组(44例)、试验组(44例)。参照组采用利巴韦林治疗,试验组采用柴银口服液治疗。比较两组临床疗效、症状缓解时间、炎症因子水平。结果试验组治疗总有效率高于参照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);试验组发热、咳嗽、鼻塞流涕、寒战缓解时间短于参照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,试验组白介素-6、白介素-8、肿瘤坏死因子-α水平低于参照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论柴银口服液治疗小儿风热感冒的临床效果显著,能够改善症状,减轻炎症反应,值得推广。

银翘散联合藿朴夏苓汤治疗风热夹湿型感冒的临床效果

目的:分析银翘散联合藿朴夏苓汤治疗风热夹湿型感冒的临床效果。方法:选取2020年10月—2022年5月南充市中医医院收治的风热夹湿型感冒患者100例作为研究对象,以随机数字表法分为两组,各50例。对照组实施常规治疗,观察组在对照组基础上采用银翘散联合藿朴夏苓汤加减治疗,比较两组治疗效果。结果:治疗后,两组口渴、干咳少痰、咽干咽痛、倦怠乏力评分低于治疗前,且观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组体温低于治疗前,且观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组淋巴细胞计数、中性粒细胞计数、C反应蛋白、白细胞计数低于治疗前,且观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组不良反应总发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:银翘散、藿朴夏苓汤治疗风热夹湿型感冒的效果显著,能够减轻患者症状及炎性反应,且治疗安全性高。