Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing Echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar

Adv Ther. 1999 Jan-Feb;16(1):51-70.

Abstract

Using the example of an allopathic herbal combined preparation containing Echinacea root, wild indigo root, and white cedar leaf tips (Echinaceae radix + Baptisiae tinctoriae radix + Thujae occidentalis herba = Esberitox N), the efficacy and mode of action of a phytoimmunomodulator, or immune system enhancer, is described. Efficacy of the immunomodulator has been demonstrated in studies of acute viral respiratory tract infections and infections requiring antibiotic therapy. In a recent study compliant to GCP, the therapeutic superiority of the herbal immunomodulator over placebo was confirmed as statistically significant and clinically relevant. The present overview describes a model of the antigen-independent mode of action of phytoimmunomodulation ("immunobalancing").

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic* / pharmacology
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic* / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Common Cold / drug therapy
  • Drug Combinations
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts* / therapeutic use
  • Plants, Medicinal* / chemistry
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Drug Combinations
  • Plant Extracts