Alternative Therapy for Colds

A review of the relaxant effect of various medicinal plants on tracheal smooth muscle, their possible mechanism(s) and potency

“…H. canadensis is often used, either alone or in combination with other herbal medicine, in the treatment of mild pathological conditions such as colds and flu(Turow, 1997).The relaxant effects of H. canadensis and its major alkaloids were evaluated in the isolated trachea of guinea pigs. Furthermore, the role of its major alkaloids, berberine, b-hydrastine, canadine and canadaline, was investigated using specific pharmacological tools, such as timolol and xanthine amine congeners.…”

Relaxant Effects of Hydrastis canadensis L. and its Major Alkaloids on Guinea Pig Isolated Trachea

“…the rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis L., is a common medicinal herb (Winslow & Kroll 1998), often used, alone or in association with other vegetable drugs, for the treatment of mild pathological conditions such as colds and flu (Turow 1997; O'Mathú na 1998). The rationale for this application derives from the current pharmacological knowledge about its major active components, berberine (anticholinergic (Tsai & Ochillo 1991), antisecretory (Tai et al 1981;Zhu & Ahrens 1983) and antimicrobial (Amin et al 1969;Pepeljnjak & Petricic 1992;Tang & Eisenbrand 1992;Reynolds 1996)) and b-hydrastine (astringent (Tyler et al 1981) and antitussive (Karlsson et al 1988)).…”

Zinc gluconate lozenges were not effective for treating the common cold in children and adolescents

“…Evidence to support recommendations for zinc lozenges for the common cold and acute lower respiratory infection is lacking. Although many alternative treatments for acute respiratory infections exist, 3 none has the evidence to warrant recommendation. More work needs to be done on zinc treatment before it can be recommended.…”