Just as you relish in your summer warmth, you may be suddenly struck by a summer cold - its out of season ferocity will make you feel completely rundown. Besides taking vitamin C to help boost your immune system, try brewing up some Echinacea, an herb that helps relive the symptoms of the common cold. Echinacea is a collection of nine related plant species with three being most commonly used as herbal remedies (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea). A study published last week in the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, found that taking these supplements of Echinacea can reduce the chances of catching a cold by more than half. Taking Echinacea protected 58 percent of volunteers inoculated directly with the common cold, and 65 percent of those who were naturally exposed to a cold. This higher percentage suggests that Echinacea may be more effective against more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold other than the rhinovirus. Echinacea was also found to reduce the length of a cold by one to three days. Although Echinacea is one of the most commonly used herbal products, its benefits in the prevention and treatment of the common cold have been controversial. Last week's Lancet study was more conclusive than previous studies as it was an analytical review of 14 different studies on Echinacea. One of these studies found that combined with vitamin C, the herb reduced the incidence of colds by 86 percent. Researchers also believe it may reduce the severity of coughs, headaches and nasal congestion. However, researchers warned that larger scale studies are needed before using the herb to prevent or treat the common cold becomes standard practice, controlling variables such as species, method of cold induction, quality of preparation and dose of Echinacea. The exact way by which Echinacea works is still unclear, but it is thought to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white cells. This herb also has anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates phagocytosis (or the "mopping up of bacteria and viruses) by cells in the immune system, helping to prevent the invasion of foreign substances in the body. Other components in Echinacea have been shown to have a mild antibacterial and fungicidal activity, which may slow down the spread of bacteria. Echinacea is also thought to increase fibroblasts (cells involved in the development of connective tissue) helping to stimulate new tissue development. Properdin, a serum protein complex, which helps to activate different immune system mechanisms, has also been shown to be increased by Echinacea extracts. It seems that Echinacea works on many different parts of the immune system to help the body guard itself against infection. The dosage of Echinacea is still to be determined by researchers, but in the Lancet study, Echinacea was taken for the duration of a few days to a few weeks. Prolonged use is not recommended as it is thought the body becomes tolerant, or non-responsive, to its effects. As it stimulates the immune system, it is recommended that people with autoimmune diseases use it with caution. The Lancet study confirms the benefits that many people already know. If you have a cold and need to fight off the symptoms, or if you feel a cold coming on, some Echinacea, vitamin C, along with regular servings of fruits and vegetables may just do the trick. Personally, I will start taking Echinacea with any signs of a cold, although I take a daily dose of Blue Green Algae, another naturally growing substance (also from the US) that works wonders for the immune system. More on that in next week's column. May El Meleigyholds a Ph.D in Immunology (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), an MSc in Toxicology/Pathology (Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London) and a BSc in Pharmacology (University College London). May is a medical and health journalist, and is a regular contributor to the British Medical Journal, Lancet, and WHO bulletin. May also produces health programs for Egypt.
