Abstract
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to respiratory tract infections, so natural strategies to ameliorate the duration and severity of these infections are of great interest in this population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the consumption of a combination of elderberry and reishi extracts on the incidence, severity, and duration of respiratory tract infections in a group of healthy elderly volunteers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was performed during the winter season. A group of 60 nursing home residents ≥65 years of age was randomly assigned to receive a combination of 1.5 g of elderberry +0.5 g of reishi or a placebo daily for 14 weeks. Data about the health conditions of the volunteers were evaluated and recorded by a medical doctor every 2 weeks. The incidence of respiratory infections was similar in both groups. However, volunteers in the extract group presented a significantly lower duration of common cold events (2.5 vs. 4.8 days, p = 0.033).and a significantly lower probability of having a high severity influenza-like illness event (p = 0.039). Moreover, the incidence of sleep disturbances was significantly lower in the extract group (p = 0.049). Therefore, the administration of a combination of elderberry and reishi extracts to the elderly population during the winter season might be used as a natural strategy to reduce the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections.
Highlights
Respiratory tract infections, defined as any of a number of infectious diseases involving the respiratory tract, are the most common infections in humans of all ages, leading to a significant rate of mortality and morbidity worldwide [1]
The objective of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of daily consumption of a combination of elderberry and reishi extracts on the incidence, severity and duration of respiratory tract infections in a group of healthy elderly volunteers living in a nursing home
No adverse events resulting from the intake of either was confirmed to be very high (≈100%)
Summary
Respiratory tract infections, defined as any of a number of infectious diseases involving the respiratory tract, are the most common infections in humans of all ages, leading to a significant rate of mortality and morbidity worldwide [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually are caused by influenza virus infection alone [2]. In the last 20 years, novel coronaviruses causing acute respiratory syndromes, such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and, currently, SARS-CoV-2, have emerged and triggered several global pandemics with high case fatality rates [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
