Abstract
BackgroundThe common cold, the most prevalent contagious viral disease in humans still lacks a safe and effective antiviral treatment. Iota-Carrageenan is broadly active against respiratory viruses in-vitro and has an excellent safety profile. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of an Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray in patients with common cold symptoms.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory trial, 35 human subjects suffering from early symptoms of common cold received Iota-Carrageenan (0.12%) in a saline solution three times daily for 4 days, compared to placebo.ResultsAdministration of Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray reduced the symptoms of common cold (p = 0.046) and the viral load in nasal lavages (p = 0.009) in patients with early symptoms of common cold. Pro-inflammatory mediators FGF-2, Fractalkine, GRO, G-CSF, IL-8, IL-1α, IP-10, IL-10, and IFN-α2 were reduced in the Iota-Carrageenan group.ConclusionsIota-Carrageenan nasal spray appears to be a promising treatment for safe and effective treatment of early symptoms of common cold. Larger trials are indicated to confirm the results.
Highlights
The common cold, the most prevalent contagious viral disease in humans still lacks a safe and effective antiviral treatment
Two subjects were excluded from the analysis of symptoms due to protocol violations that were defined as an exclusion criterion in the study protocol
Subject 23 reported migraine that was treated with ibuprofen and a swollen eye due presumably to an allergic reaction that was treated with an oral anti-histamine during the observation period
Summary
The common cold, the most prevalent contagious viral disease in humans still lacks a safe and effective antiviral treatment. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of an Iota-Carrageenan nasal spray in patients with common cold symptoms. Common cold is the most prevalent contagious viral disease in humans. It is caused by a variety of viral pathogens with human rhinoviruses (HRV) being the most abundant ones. Affecting the upper respiratory system, symptoms like blocked nose, cough and sneezing are most common [1,2]. Carrageenan is a sulphated galactose polymer, derived from Rhodophyceae seaweeds. It is commonly used in food preparations and topical products for its gelling and emulsifying properties. Carrageenans are used in topical formulations at daily dose levels up to 2% (~30 mg/person)
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