A.Vogel Sore Throat Spray

Painful inflammation and infection of the throat such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, soreness and hoarseness.

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Composition

Each spray contains tincture of:
Fresh organic* Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) herb (ratio 1:12) 189.9 mg, equivalent to 15.8 mg dried herb.
Fresh organic* Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) root (ratio 1:11) 10.01 mg, equivalent to 0.9 mg dried root.
Fresh organic* Sage (Salvia officinalis) herb (ratio 1:17) 94.6 mg, equivalent to 5.6 mg dried herb.
*certified by Bio Suisse

Non-medicinal ingredients:
Sorbitol solution, alcohol, lecithin, sucrose ester, peppermint oil.

Dosage

Adults: 2 sprays, 6 to 10 times daily. Spray in back of throat.

Historical overview

Long before the coming of the European settlers, the native Americans used Echinacea (also called Purple Cone Flower) to treat a variety of problems, from infections to snake bites.

In the United States, Echinacea was popularized by the eclectic physicians` movement in the 19th Century. After that, its use was almost forgotten until the 1980`s. In Europe, however, Echinacea was popular with the medical world from the beginning of the Century and has been the subject of numerous clinical studies. Today, Echinacea is the most widely sold medicinal herb in the world.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a shrub native of the Mediterranean basin. In ancient times, sage was traditionally considered a panacea (cure-all). As time went by some indications became more popular. In topical applications, sage is useful for inflammation of mucous membranes and tonsils. Orally, it helps to reduce excessive perspiration like that caused by severe malady (tuberculosis), it aids digestion and improves wound healing. For a long time, sages reputation as brain tonic was laughed at but, recently, its beneficial effect in Alzheimers disease was shown.(1)

Actions and pharmacology

In vitro studies have revealed Echinacea's action mechanism: its polysaccharides and polyacetylenes fractions stimulate the phagocytosis of macrophages and the production of cytokines like interleukine-1, interleukine-6 (also called interferon beta), interleukine-10 and TNF alpha factor. This effect shows Echinacea's ability to stimulate the immune system in cases of infection.(2)

Chicoric acid and analogues derived from caffeic acid are presently under investigation for their effect on HIV-1 replication.(3)

Echinacea, particularly the echinacosides and caffeic acid derivatives, might protect collagen structures against degradation (oxidation) caused by free radicals. This antioxidant effect is also useful in reducing skin damage caused by sun exposure. The combination of Echinacea's antioxidant and immuno-stimulant effects might explain its healing virtues in topical applications.(4)

Sage leaf contains tannins, bitter principles (diterpenes), steroids, flavonoids and a volatile oil rich in terpenes (thujone, camphor, etc.). It is recognized for its carminative (relieving flatulence), antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and anti-microbial properties. (5)

Scientific studies

Many clinical studies demonstrate echinacea's efficacy as an immune system stimulant.(6-8) According to the authors of an important meta-analysis (a review of articles on clinical studies), Echinacea is effective against respiratory infections, especially if taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.(9)

A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done to assess the efficacy and tolerability of A.Vogel Sore Throat Spray compared to a chlorhexidine/lidocaine (Collunosol) spray. 113 people suffering from acute sore throat, took a maximum of 10 x 2 sprays/day.
Results:
-As effective and safe as Collunosol.
-Works fast to ease sore throat the symptoms.
-Highly accepted by patients, thanks to its efficacy and great peppermint taste. (10)

Precautions, contraindications and interactions

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have a progressive systemic disease such as tuberculosis, leucosis,
collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection, auto-immune disorders or if you are taking immunosuppressants, hypoglycemic, anticonvulsant or sedative drugs.

Do not use during pregnancy and nursing.

Avoid taking in case of known allergy to any of the ingredients of the product.

If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult a health care practitioner.

References

1. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M et al. Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2003 Feb;28(1):53-9.

2. Burger Ra, Torres AR, Warren RP et al. Echinacea-induced cytokine by human macrophages. Int J Immunopharmacol 1997;19(7):371-9.

3. Lin Z, Neamati N, Zhao H et al. Chicoric acid analogues as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. J Med Chem 1999;42(8):1401-14.

4. Facino RM, Carini M, Aldini G et al. Echinacoside and caffeoyl conjugates protect collagen from free radical-induced degradation: a potential use of Echinacea extracts in the prevention of skin photodamage. Planta Med 1995;61(6):510-4.

5. Hoffmann D. The Herbalist CD-Rom. Hopkins Technology 1995. Minnesota USA

6. Gunning K. Echinacea in the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract infections. West J Med 1999;171:198-200.

7. Barrett B, Vohmann M, Calabrese C. Echinacea for upper respiratory infection. J Fam Pract 1999;48:628-35.

8. Grimm W, Muller HH. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Am J Med 1999;106:138-43.

9. Barrett B, Vohmann M et Calabrese C. Echinacea for Upper respiratory infections. J Fam Pract 1999;48(8):628-35.

10. A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled double-dummy study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of Bioforce Sore Throat Spray compared to a chlorhexidine/lidocaine spray in patients with acute sore throats, Switzerland, March 2007.