Abstract
Background: Acute tonsillopharyngitis or sore throat is an initial sign of viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) and an optimal indicator for early antiviral and anti-inflammatory intervention. Both of these actions have been attributed to Echinacea purpurea and Salvia officinalis. Methods: 74 patients (age 13–69 years) with acute sore throat symptoms (<48 h) were treated with five Echinacea/Salvia lozenges per day (4,000 mg Echinacea purpurea extract [Echinaforce®] and 1,893 mg Salvia officinalis extract [A. Vogel AG, Switzerland] daily) for 4 days. Symptom intensities were recorded in a diary and oropharyngeal swab samples collected for virus detection and quantification via RT-qPCR. Results: The treatment was exceptionally well tolerated, no complicated RTI developed, and no antibiotic treatment was required. A single lozenge reduced throat pain by 48% (p < 0.001) and tonsillopharyngitis symptoms by 34% (p < 0.001). Eighteen patients tested virus positive at inclusion. Viral loads in these patients was reduced by 62% (p < 0.03) after intake of a single lozenge and by 96% (p < 0.02) after 4 days of treatment compared to pre-treatment. Conclusions: Echinacea/Salvia lozenges represent a valuable and safe option for the early treatment of acute sore throats capable to alleviate symptoms and contribute to reducing viral loads in the throat.
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