Phyto-relief CC: prevention of cold episodes. Control of signs/symptoms and complications.

The aim of this supplement, registry study was to evaluate the effects of the use of standardized, oral supplement (Phyto-Relief CC, Alchem). Phyto-Relief CC includes anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti- edema natural compounds. Increased salivation produced by ginger is useful in the prevention of cold episodes and on signs and symptoms associated to the episodes by increasing saliva and its content (i.e. lysozyme). Main targets of the study were the evaluation of the occurrence of episodes and the reduction of signs/symptoms, the reduction of days of disease, the reduction in the use of other treatments and the control of cold-related complications.

RESULTS

The two resulting registry groups were comparable. There were 5 full episodes (lasting at least 3 days) of cold in 61 registry subjects (8.1%) in comparison with 17 cases in 63 subjects (26.98%) in controls. Phyto-Relief CC subjects - even in this time-limited and small study population registry - had 30.1% of the episodes of the control group with a reduction of 69.88% of the cold episodes (p<0.0221). Also in the following, continuation, third week only 3 episodes of cold were recorded in the Phyto- Relief CC group vs 6 (50% reduction) observed in controls. All the other chosen parameters were better in the supplement group (p<0.05). Affected days (2.9;1.1 vs 4.6; 1.2 in controls), lost working days (0.58;0.5 vs 1.02;0.43 in controls. The use of any other OTC product, nasal drops, aspirin, Vit C, antihistamines, aerosols, the number of complications after 4 days were better in the Phyto-Relief CC group. Disease 'extension' (to >4 days), particularly tracheal and bronchial extension were significantly less frequent (p<0.05) with the supplement. No safety or tolerability problem was observed. In conclusion this preliminary study shows that Phyto-Relief CC may help the evolution of cold if used early, when initial symptoms could be identified. More specific evaluations and larger prevention studies are needed.