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Amini F, Namjooyan F, Zomorodian K, Zareshahrabadi Z, Shojaei K, Jaladat AM, Hashempur MH. The efficacy of complementary treatment with marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) on vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:813-819. [PMID: 37121836 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common gynecologic infection, and recurring cases are yet incurable. This trial was based on Persian medicine to compare how effective marshmallow aqueous extract 4% plus clotrimazole 1% (CLOT-M) is compared to clotrimazole 1% vaginal creams on VVC. METHODS This study randomly assigned 100 women with VVC into two groups. The target group (n = 50) was treated with CLOT-M while controls (n = 50) with clotrimazole vaginal creams for seven consecutive nights. Different VVC symptoms and signs, and yeast culture from vaginal discharge were evaluated as the outcome measures before the intervention and 7 and 30 days after. RESULTS The efficacy of CLOT-M vaginal cream was assessed during the 1st and 2nd follow-ups, indicating a significant decrease in mean itching (P = 0.001 for both comparisons) and dyspareunia score (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively) as compared to treatment with clotrimazole vaginal cream. Moreover, after 7 days of the intervention, patients in the CLOT-M group experienced significant improvement in mean dysuria score compared to those in the control group (P = 0.001). Neither cream caused any significant adverse events. CONCLUSION It seems that CLOT-M vaginal cream had a significant effect on the VVC symptoms improvement, without any significant side effects. However, larger sample-sized trials are needed for more evidence-based judgment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Amini
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Foroogh Namjooyan
- Pharmacognosy Department, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Zareshahrabadi
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kobra Shojaei
- Fertility, Infertility, and Perinatalogy Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Mohammad Jaladat
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hashem Hashempur
- Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Department of Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Algburi A, Al-Hasani HM, Ismael TK, Abdelhameed A, Weeks R, Ermakov AM, Chikindas ML. Antimicrobial Activity of Bacillus subtilis KATMIRA1933 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-1895 Against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms Isolated from Wound Infection. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:125-134. [PMID: 32556931 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcal wound infections range from mild to severe with life-threatening complications. The challenge of controlling such infections is related to bacterial biofilm formation, which is a major factor contributing to antibiotic resistance and infection recurrence. In this study, four clinical isolates of staphylococci species; two isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates. The identification of bacterial species based on cell morphology, initial biochemical tests, and the VITEK2 system were used to confirm the clinical microbiological diagnosis. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that the isolated staphylococci were highly resistant to the following antibiotics, amoxicillin, penicillin G, cefotaxime, and methicillin. Combinations of cefotaxime with the cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Bacillus subtilis KATMIRA1933 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-1895, each one separately showed complementary activity against the tested staphylococci. The co-aggregation capability of the tested bacilli as beneficial bacteria against isolated staphylococci was also evaluated. The data showed a strong co-aggregation with scores (+ 3, + 4) which were reported between the bacilli strains and the isolated staphylococci. Furthermore, the CFS of bacilli strains showed an inhibitory effect against biofilm-associated MRSA and MSSA. These findings confirmed the ability of beneficial bacteria to compete with the pathogens at the site of colonization or for the source of nutrients and, eventually, lead to inhibition of the pathogens' capability of causing a wound infection. Such beneficial bacteria could play an important role in future pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Algburi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Baqubah, Iraq. .,Department of Scholarship and Cultural Relations, Presidency of Diyala University, Baqubah, Iraq.
| | - Halah M Al-Hasani
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Baqubah, Iraq
| | - Thurya K Ismael
- Educational Laboratories, General Teaching Hospital of Baqubah, Baqubah, Iraq
| | - Alyaa Abdelhameed
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Baqubah, Iraq
| | - Richard Weeks
- Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers State University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Michael L Chikindas
- Health Promoting Naturals Laboratory, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers State University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Don State Technical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
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Ilori T, Akintayo A, Adewale B, Oyetola E. KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF NIGERIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARDS COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN COVID-19 MANAGEMENT. Ann Ib Postgrad Med 2021; 19:S22-S30. [PMID: 35095365 PMCID: PMC8791395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is commonly used, but many physicians have limited knowledge of CAM despite its widespread use. Therefore, this study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students on complementary and alternative medicine in the management of COVID-19. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 medical students from three Federal Universities in South West, Nigeria. A self-administered semi-structured online Google Forms questionnaire was used to collect information. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the bivariate relationship between KAP status and sociodemographic characteristics. Spearman's correlation coefficient matrix was computed to determine the association between knowledge, attitude, CAM, age, and religiosity practice. RESULTS The median age was 22 years (interquartile range: [IQR]: 21-23 years). Median self-rated score for religion was 4.00 (IQR: 3.00-4.25). Median knowledge score was 4.00 (IQR: 3.75-5.00), median attitude score 2.75 (IQR: 2.38-3.00) and median practice score 2.00 (IQR: 1.00-2.00). Thirty-seven respondents (24.7%) were considered to have poor knowledge about CAM use in COVID-19 while the rest (75.3%) had good knowledge. Thirty-eight (25.3%) had a poor attitude towards using CAM in COVID-19 and 112 (74.7%) had a good attitude. CONCLUSION Medical students have good knowledge and a positive attitude towards CAM modalities as adjunct management for COVID-19. However, their practices do not reflect wide acceptability. There is a need for clinical trials on the efficacy of CAM as an adjunct treatment for COVID-19 to further inform its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Ilori
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - B.A. Adewale
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - E.O. Oyetola
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
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Baars EW, Belt-Van Zoen E, Willcox M, Huber R, Hu XY, van der Werf ET. CAM treatments for cough and sore throat as part of an uncomplicated acute respiratory tract infection: a systematic review of prescription rates and a survey among European integrative medical practitioners. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Alexandrova NA, Zaslavskaya MI, Soloveva IV, Tochilina AD, Belova IV. [Evaluation of anti-candida activity of metabolites of enterococcal clinical isolates.]. Klin Lab Diagn 2019; 64:690-692. [PMID: 31747500 DOI: 10.18821/0869-2084-2019-64-11-690-692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When studying the effect of the metabolic products of clinical isolates of enterococci on the viability of Candida albicans, it was found that metabolites of all tested strains of Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis had a fungistatic effect. At the same time a reliable fungicidal effect is a strain-specific feature. It is better to use the method of delayed antagonism on double-layer agar to assess the antifungal effect of enterococcal metabolism products.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Alexandrova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical university» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian, 603005, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - M I Zaslavskaya
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Privolzhsky Research Medical university» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian, 603005, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - I V Soloveva
- Academician I.N. Blokhin Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - A D Tochilina
- Academician I.N. Blokhin Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - I V Belova
- Academician I.N. Blokhin Nizhny Novgorod Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Baars EW, Zoen EBV, Breitkreuz T, Martin D, Matthes H, von Schoen-Angerer T, Soldner G, Vagedes J, van Wietmarschen H, Patijn O, Willcox M, von Flotow P, Teut M, von Ammon K, Thangavelu M, Wolf U, Hummelsberger J, Nicolai T, Hartemann P, Szőke H, McIntyre M, van der Werf ET, Huber R. The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:5365608. [PMID: 30854009 PMCID: PMC6378062 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5365608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this narrative review was to explore the potential contributions of CAM to reduce antibiotic use. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with a specific, limited set of search terms and collected input from a group of expert CAM researchers to answer the question: What is known about the contribution of CAM health and health promotion concepts, infection prevention, and infection treatment strategies to reduce antibiotic use? Results. The worldview-related CAM health concepts enable health promotion oriented infection prevention and treatment aimed at strengthening or supporting the self-regulating ability of the human organism to cope with diseases. There is some evidence that the CAM concepts of health (promotion) are in agreement with current conceptualization of health and that doctors who practice both CAM and conventional medicine prescribe less antibiotics, although selection bias of the presented studies cannot be ruled out. There is some evidence that prevention and some treatment strategies are effective and safe. Many CAM treatment strategies are promising but overall lack high quality evidence. CONCLUSIONS CAM prevention and treatment strategies may contribute to reducing antibiotic use, but more rigorous research is necessary to provide high quality evidence of (cost-)effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik W. Baars
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, Netherlands
- University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Faculty of Healthcare, Zernikedreef 11, 2333 CK Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eefje Belt-van Zoen
- University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Faculty of Healthcare, Zernikedreef 11, 2333 CK Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - David Martin
- University of Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Georg Soldner
- Medical section of the Goetheanum, Rüttiweg 45 4143 Dornach, Switzerland
| | - Jan Vagedes
- ARCIM institute, Im Haberschlai 7, 70794 Filderstadt, Germany
| | | | - Olga Patijn
- Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, Netherlands
| | - Merlin Willcox
- University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Paschen von Flotow
- Sustainable Business Institute, Zehnthofstr. 1, 65375 Oestrich-Winkel, Germany
| | - Michael Teut
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus von Ammon
- University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 46, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Madan Thangavelu
- European Ayurveda Association e.V., In den Forstwiesen 27, D- 56745 Bell, Germany
| | - Ursula Wolf
- University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 46, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Ton Nicolai
- Eurocam, Rue du Trône 194, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Hartemann
- University of Lorraine, School of Medicine, 7 avenue de la Forêt de Haye, 54500 Vandoeuvre-Nancy, France
| | - Henrik Szőke
- University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Vasvári Pál str. 4., Hungary
| | - Michael McIntyre
- Midsummer Clinic, Church Westcote, Chipping Norton, Oxon, Ox7 6SF, UK
| | - Esther T. van der Werf
- Taylor's University, School of Medicine, 1, Jalan Taylor's, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
- University of Bristol, Bristol Medical School, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Roman Huber
- University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Breisacher Str. 115b, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Effectiveness of an add-on treatment with the homeopathic medication SilAtro-5-90 in recurrent tonsillitis: An international, pragmatic, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2017; 28:181-191. [PMID: 28779928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness and safety of the homeopathic product SilAtro-5-90 in recurrent tonsillitis. METHODS In this international, pragmatic, controlled clinical trial, 256 patients (6-60 years) with moderate recurrent tonsillitis were randomized to receive either SilAtro-5-90 in addition to standard symptomatic treatment, or to receive standard treatment only. The primary outcome was the mean time period between consecutive acute throat infections (ATI) within 1 year (analyzed via repeated events analysis). RESULTS During the evaluation year, the risk of getting an ATI was significantly lower (hazard ratio: 0.45, proportional means model, p = 0.0002, ITT) with SilAtro-5-90 compared to control. Tonsillitis-specific symptoms were significantly reduced (p < 0.0001, ITT) and the need of antibiotics to treat acute throat infections (p = 0.0008; ITT) decreased. 3 non-serious adverse drug reactions were reported for SilAtro-5-90. CONCLUSIONS An integrative treatment approach where SilAtro-5-90 is given alongside mainstream symptomatic treatment may bring therapeutic benefit to patients suffering from recurrent tonsillitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN registry: Registration number ISRCTN19016626, registered 23 January 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Romero-Cerecero O, Islas-Garduño AL, Zamilpa A, Tortoriello J. Effectiveness of Ageratina pichinchensis Extract in Patients with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Controlled Pilot Study. Phytother Res 2017; 31:885-890. [PMID: 28299831 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Previous clinical studies have demonstrated the antifungal effectiveness of Ageratina pichinchensis extracts when topically administered to patients with dermatomycosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of a 7% standardized extract of A. pichinchensis (intravaginal) in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The extract was standardized in terms of its encecalin content and administered during 6 days to patients with Candida albicans-associated vulvovaginitis. The positive control group was treated with Clotrimazole (100 mg). On day 7 of the study, a partial evaluation was carried out; it demonstrated that 94.1% of patients treated with Clotrimazole and 100% of those treated with the A. pichinchensis extract referred a decrease or absence of signs and symptoms consistent with vulvovaginal candidiasis. In the final evaluation, 2 weeks after concluding administration, 86.6% of patients in the control group and 81.2% (p = 0.65) of those treated with the A. pichinchensis extract demonstrated therapeutic success. Statistical analysis evidenced no significant differences between the two treatment groups. With the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the standardized extract from A. pichinchensis, intravaginally administered, showed therapeutic and mycological effectiveness, as well as tolerability, in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, without noting statistical differences in patients treated with Clotrimazole. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofelia Romero-Cerecero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (CIBIS-IMSS), Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Alejandro Zamilpa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (CIBIS-IMSS), Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jaime Tortoriello
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (CIBIS-IMSS), Xochitepec, Morelos, Mexico
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Chen Y, Xue G, Liu F, Gong X. Immunosuppressive effect of extracts from leaves of Fraxinus Mandshurica Rupr. Bioengineered 2016; 8:212-216. [PMID: 27533742 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2016.1221023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants provide a rich resource of medicinal material for research and development of new medicine. To discover new compounds as Immunosuppressant from plants, we evaluated the immunosuppressive effect of different fractions and particularly one compound (Calceolarioside A) that were extracted from the leaves of Fraxinus Mandshurica Rupr. The fractions and the compound were tested on the ability to reduce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) secretion by human U266 multiple myeloma cells (U266 cells) and to reduce interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by mouse spleen cells. Our results showed that both the butanol extract fraction and the compound of Calceolarioside A inhibited the IgE and IL-2 production in U266 cells and mouse spleen cells respectively, and no cytotoxicity was observed within the effective dose range. These results suggest that Calceolarioside A could potentially serve as an immunosuppressant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Chen
- a School of Life Science and Technology , Changchun University of Science and Technology , Changchun , China
| | - Gang Xue
- a School of Life Science and Technology , Changchun University of Science and Technology , Changchun , China
| | - Feizhou Liu
- b Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Limited , Changchun , China
| | - Xiuling Gong
- c Shanghai Zijiang Enterprise Group Co., LTD, Changchun Branch , Changchun , China
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Jong MC, Buskin SL, Ilyenko L, Kholodova I, Burkart J, Weber S, Keller T, Klement P. Effectiveness, safety and tolerability of a complex homeopathic medicinal product in the prevention of recurrent acute upper respiratory tract infections in children: a multicenter, open, comparative, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Multidiscip Respir Med 2016; 11:19. [PMID: 27186371 PMCID: PMC4868034 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-016-0056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study was initiated to investigate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of complex homeopathic CalSuli-4-02 tablets on prevention of recurrent acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, in comparison to another complex homeopathic product. METHODS The study was designed as a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open, clinical trial with two parallel treatment groups at four outpatient pediatric clinics in Russia. Children aged ≤ 6 years with susceptibility to acute URTIs (≥ three occasions during the last 6 months) were randomized to receive either CalSuli-4-02 or a comparator homeopathic product (control group) for 3 weeks. Primary outcome was the frequency of acute URTIs after 3 and 6 months post-treatment follow-up. Secondary endpoints were changes in complaints and symptoms (total and individual scores), treatment satisfaction, antibiotic use, safety and tolerability. RESULTS The intention-to-treat analysis involved 200 children (CalSuli-4-02: N = 99, CONTROL: N = 101). In both treatment groups, the median number of acute URTIs was one for 3 months and two, respectively, for the full 6 months post-treatment (Relative Risk: 0.86 (95 %-CI: 0.72-1.03), p = 0.1099). Seasons had no influence on the outcome. At the end of study, CalSuli-4-02 had overall higher odds of getting lower complaints severity total score (Odds ratio: 1.99 (95 %-CI: 1.31-3.02), p = 0.0012) and showing symptom improvement (Odds ratio: 1.93 (95 %-CI: 1.25-3.00), p = 0.0033). Specifically, the complaint "appetite disorder" and the symptom "child's activities" significantly improved more in the CalSuli-4-02 group (p = 0.0135 and p = 0.0063, respectively). Antibiotic use was decreased in both treatment groups at the study end. Overall assessment for satisfaction with and tolerability of treatment was higher with CalSuli-4-02. A low number of non-serious adverse drug reactions was reported (CalSuli-4-02: N = 4, CONTROL: N = 1). CONCLUSIONS Both complex homeopathic products led to a comparable reduction of URTIs. In the CalSuli-4-02 group, significantly less URTI-related complaints and symptoms and higher treatment satisfaction and tolerability were detected. The observation that the use of antibiotics was reduced upon treatment with the complex homeopathic medications, without the occurrence of complications, is interesting and warrants further investigations on the potential of CalSuli-4-02 as an antibiotic sparing option. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Roszdravnadzor: Study No 164-563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miek C Jong
- Department Nutrition & Health, Louis Bolk Institute, Hoofdstraat 24, 3972 LA Driebergen, The Netherlands ; Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden ; National Information and Knowledge Center on Integrative Medicine (NIKIM), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen L Buskin
- International Health Center of the Hague, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Julia Burkart
- Deutsche Homöopathie-Union, DHU-Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | | | - Petra Klement
- Deutsche Homöopathie-Union, DHU-Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany
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