Reduction of viral load in patients with acute sore throats: Results from an observational clinical trial with Echinacea/Salvia lozenges

Introduction: Acute tonsillopharyngitis or sore throat is an initial and frequent sign of respiratory tract infections “RTIs” and represents an optimal occasion for early and effective antiviral treatment.

Aim: This study investigated safety and efficacy of Echinacea purpurea/Salvia off. lozenges on acute sore throat symptoms and the viral load in infected patients.

Method: 74 patients (13 – 69 years) with acute sore throat symptoms (< 48 h) were treated with five lozenges per day (each containing: 800 mg Echinaforce^® extract and 379 mg Salvia officinalis fresh herb extract [A.Vogel AG, Switzerland]) for 4 days. Symptom intensities were recorded in a diary and oropharyngeal swab samples collected for virus detection and quantification via RT-qPCR.

Results: 98.6% of patents rated the tolerability as (very-) good, no RTI developed, and no antibiotic treatment was required (0%). Taking a single lozenge reduced throat pain by 48% (p < 0.001) and tonsillopharyngitis symptoms by 34% (p < 0.001). 24.3% of patients tested virus positive. Viral loads were reduced by 62% (p < 0.03) after taking a single lozenge and by 96% (p < 0.02) after 4-days of treatment compared to pretreatment.

Conclusion: Echinacea/Salvia lozenges represent a valuable and safe option for the early treatment of acute sore throats, effective in reducing symptoms and viral loads in the throat.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022