Pflanzliche Immunstimulanzien; zur Prophylaxe und Therapie von Erkältungskrankheiten

Journal/Book: Z. Phytotherapie 17, 79-95. 1996;

Abstract: Since most colds and infections are caused by a temporary weakening ofthe immune defence system the prophylactic or therapeutic use of drugswhich enhance the unspecific immune system, the so-calledimmunostimulants, can be of beneficial effect. For this indication onthe drug market almost only allopathic and homoeopathic plant extractpreparations exist. The efficacy of many of these preparations has beenassessed by immunological in vitro- and in vivo-experiments. Thehitherto existing controlled studies on humans have also shown positiveresults. The most noteworthy features are: diminution of recurrentinfections, reduction of the duration of a disease and a significantreduction of the seriousness of most of the symptoms associated with theinfections of respiratory organs. The mode of application of theseimmunostimulants is based primarily on the practical experience ofphysicians. Adverse effects and possible health risk of these drugpreparations used according to regulations have not been reported sofar. The development of adequate methods of standardisation andfingerprint analysis of the various extract preparations is underway.

Keyword(s): Medical:immunostimulation

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