Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 03, 2024 1 day, 7 hours, 30 minutes ago
Medical News: A Fresh Approach to Common Cold Remedies
Millions of people grapple with the discomfort of common colds every year, leading to countless missed workdays and billions in economic losses. Traditional over-the-counter (OTC) remedies often provide limited relief. Researchers from Applied Biological Laboratories in New York-USA set out to change this narrative. Their groundbreaking study introduces a throat spray combining natural compounds with anti-inflammatory ingredients that significantly alleviates common cold symptoms.
New York Researchers Develop New Way to Fight the Common Cold
Image: AI-Generated
What Makes This Study Unique
This
Medical News report highlights a randomized controlled trial involving 157 adults experiencing early-stage cold symptoms. Participants were divided into four groups to test a throat spray containing a mucosal immune complex (MIC). The MIC was made from natural ingredients like lysozyme, lactoferrin, and aloe, paired with either aspirin or wintergreen oil. These natural compounds were selected for their ability to strengthen the respiratory lining and reduce inflammation.
Unlike traditional remedies, the throat spray worked directly on the respiratory mucosa. Researchers hypothesized that this dual-action approach - protecting respiratory tissues and reducing inflammation - would yield superior results compared to standard OTC options.
Key Findings of the Study
The study measured symptom relief using two tools: the Sore Throat Pain Intensity Scale (STPIS) and the Modified Jackson Score (MJS), which evaluates eight common cold symptoms. The outcomes were remarkable:
-Sore Throat Pain Reduction: Across the groups, sore throat intensity dropped by 68-79% within 36 hours. For context, placebo users only reported a 14% reduction.
-Overall Symptom Relief: Nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, and general malaise improved by 38-68%, depending on the treatment group.
-Treatment involving MIC spray mixed with 6mg wintergreen oil+ 325 mg aspirin tablet stood out: Combining MIC spray with wintergreen oil and an aspirin tablet delivered the most consistent and profound relief across all symptoms.
The trial also underscored the safety of these treatments, with no significant adverse events reported.
Why MIC Works So Well
MIC, the hero of this study, combines natural elements that support the respiratory system:
-Lysozyme and Lactoferrin: These proteins combat bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of secondary infections.
-Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing properties, aloe helps repair the respiratory lining.
The inclusion of wintergreen oil and aspirin provided additional anti-inflammatory benefits. Wintergreen oil, a source of m
ethyl salicylate, eased nasal symptoms, while aspirin improved pain-related symptoms.
How the Study Was Conducted
The trial took place over two days, with participants using the throat spray hourly while awake. Researchers collected data through participant surveys, ensuring detailed insight into symptom progression.
Treatment groups were carefully monitored to ensure accurate results:
-MIC spray with aspirin and a placebo tablet.
-MIC spray with wintergreen oil and a placebo tablet.
-MIC spray with wintergreen oil and an aspirin tablet.
-A placebo spray and tablet.
Statistical analysis confirmed that all active treatments outperformed the placebo by a significant margin.
Real-World Implications
For years, OTC medications for colds have been criticized for their limited efficacy. Phenylephrine, a common decongestant, was recently deemed ineffective by the FDA. This new throat spray could revolutionize cold treatment by addressing both symptoms and underlying inflammation.
Moreover, the study's findings suggest that a holistic approach - combining natural compounds with proven medications - could set a new standard for treating viral illnesses.
Concluding Thoughts
This groundbreaking study demonstrates that targeting respiratory health and inflammation can yield significant improvements in cold symptoms. Researchers from Applied Biological Laboratories have paved the way for safer, more effective treatments that could reduce the reliance on antibiotics and ineffective OTC drugs.
With symptom reductions as high as 79%, this novel throat spray is a promising advancement for cold sufferers worldwide.
The study findings were published on the preprint server: PLOS ONE.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0301959
For the latest on Common Cold Treatments, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbs-and-phytochemicals-german-non-randomized-clinical-trial-showed-that-cineole-from-eucalyptus-can-help-with-common-cold
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/imperial-college-study-shows-that-non-spike-cross-reactive-memory-t-cells-produced-as-a-result-of-common-colds-also-cross-protect-against-sars-cov-2
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