An Oral Combination of Turmeric-Pomegranate (With Ginger) Prevents Viral (Cold/ Flu) Episodes in Immunocompromised Patients

Abstract

The aim of this pharma standard (“PS”) supplement, registry was the evaluation – in a period of 3 months – of the effects of the use of a standardized combination (oral supplement including turmeric, pomegranate and ginger) in preventing common, winter, viral events (cold and flu episodes). Results: No safety or tolerability problem was observed with the supplement. The two resulting registry management groups – standard management (SM) and SM+the supplement combination – were comparable. The number of viral (cold/flu) episodes (lasting more than 3 days), and the total number of subjects with any episode was in favor of the group managed with the preventive supplement combination (p<0.05). The average number of days of disease and the lost working days were lower with the combination (Phyto Relief). The use of other OTC products and the number of complications were significantly lower (<0.05) with the supplement combination. The number of subjects with a clinical extension of the disease to more than 7 days with bronchial or tracheal complications was also lower (p<0.05) with the supplements in comparison with the SM group. Salivation was improved more in the supplemented group (p<0.05). The results of this concept, preliminary study in mildly immuno-compromised subjects shows that Phyto Relief may help prevent some episodes of cold/flu and help (by shortening the length of the episodes) the evolution of viral episodes when used early, when the initial symptoms can be identified. More specific evaluations and larger prevention studies are needed, in a more heterogenous population. The extension of this supplementary prevention to more subjects and for longer periods may indicate a more permanent effect of this supplement combination on improving local, mucosal immunity and resistance to viral spread. Conclusions: The evaluation of immunocompromised subjects is significant in clinical conditions prevention (winter viral episodes) with this natural combination which may also avoid prolonged respiratory complications.