Natural Standard Oscillococcinum® Review Published

The recent edition of Alternative and Complementary Therapies features a Natural Standard evidence-based review of Oscillococcinum®.

Oscillococcinum® (Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200CK HPUS) is a patented homeopathic preparation manufactured by a French-based company (Boiron Laboratories), marketed and widely used for the treatment and prevention of flu symptoms. It is a preparation of wild duck offal (heart and liver) that has undergone multiple dilutions, after which there are no actual molecules of the original duck tissues in the final product.

The review article provides systematic analyses of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology and dosing information.

In available clinical trials, Oscillococcinum® has been shown to reduce the severity and shorten the duration of flu symptoms within a few days. However, despite its modest effects for the treatment of flu, Oscillococcinum® is still lacking a plausible mechanism of action. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate its potential preventative effects.

For more information about Oscillococcinum®, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Comments

[EJW]

I think that whenever there is a new product that comes out for the prevention/treatment for the flu, I have to be skeptical about it. It usually has a placebo effect. Also, the flu clears from the body within 7-10 days, and that's usually how long you need to take a supplement before you see an effect. So, is it your body clearing the virus or the supplement?

[sherilis]

I agree with James. This company is not clear about what is in Oscillococcinum. As a soon-to-be pharmacist, I would like to understand more, and this prevents me from recommending this product.

[JO]

I would have to say I agree with earlier posts that Oscillococcinum is essentially a placebo-effect type of product. After the multiple dilutions, I don't see any measurable effect that someone is going to get from a homeopathic product. I see that Natural Standard gives this product a C grade for flu prevention/treatment. That is what placebo gets for flu prevention/treatment - a C grade.

[PA]

I agree with TG - the placebo effect is truly amazing and can work for some conditions or situations. The scientific mechanism of action behind this would be extremely interesting to know.

[James]

While it's true a layperson may not be able to recognize or understand a lot of what's on the label, it is important for companies to be honest and say exactly what is contained within the packaging. As long as it's there, they can at least ask the pharmacist about the product.

[Al]

It really is difficult to try and take Oscillococcinum seriously as a treatment option (except as a variant of the placebo effect) when it’s accepted that the preparation is diluted to the point that no molecules from the starting tissue remain. It’s kind of like “The Emperor’s New Clothes” of medications.

[TG]

Placebo benefits can be quite great and beneficial. The mind is a powerful thing. It's interesting to read how the placebo arm in studies sometimes has a surprising benefit at times when compared with the study drug. I tried explaining this once to a patient, and they actually said they wish they could just have some placebo.

[TS]

I wonder how strict vegetarians feel about this product, particularly since many vegetarians also take herbs and “natural” products. I would be willing to bet most are unaware that this “natural” product is derived from duck heart and liver. Even though the manufacturer claims there are not duck molecules left in the final product, I would be willing to bet this would not sit well with most. Is there a disclaimer on the product label?

[TJ]

In my opinion, homeopathy is based solely on the placebo effect, and makers of those products have the ability to exploit consumers. Just look at how misleading a homeopathy label is. What layperson can even read and understand an OTC drug label, let alone one full of Latin names and x's? Sure, homeopathy believers will tout their products' effectiveness, but you are really paying for a whole lot of nothing with the scantest of scientific backing.

[Caroline Pierce]

I have used Ocillococcinum for several years with great success. I don't believe it is the placebo effect either. My son came down with the Swine flu last year, and I started giving it to him fairly quickly. He was back at school in two days after taking it, but two of his friends were out for a week or more and another was eventually hospitalized. He was a very sick kid at the onset. He is 15 years old, and if any of you know anything about teenagers, you know they won't buy into anything their parents say just because they said it. I love the product!

[EJ]

Yes, the mechanism of action would be interesting to know since none of the tissue is left in the end of the preparation process. The evidence doesn't seem great yet.

[sherilis]

I agree with PA. I totally feel that this Oscillococcinum is total placebo effect. I have tried it, and it tastes just like sugar, and if you look at the manufacturers website, it is made out of sugar.

[Tom D]

Interestingly, the review states that, despite the promising results for use of Oscillococcinum for flu prevention, there is a lack of positive results indicating that homeopathy is effective in treating any condition.

[Don]

I would like to see a discussion by the authors of the original studies on proposed mechanism of action for Oscillococcinum, since the preparation is diluted to the point where, presumably, no molecules from the original tissues remain. The review states that it has been claimed that nucleic and phosphoric compounds in the duck heart and liver may have antiviral effects, but this would suggest that some material from the tissues remains.

[KK75]

Wow, duck offal for the flu? Are there any other formulations of this or is this only manufactured by Boiron? I would be interested in finding out about the mechanism of action when more studies come out. Going to check out comparative efficacy information in the Natural Standard Database for other flu therapies before I try this one out...

[interested]

I am so happy to see that Natural Standard published this review. I have been seeing relentless commercials for Oscillococcinum® on TV all winter. It is interesting that it appears to show some benefit, but that the actual mechanism of action is unclear. I was also unaware that duck tissue was used to produce this product.

[PA]

Oscillococcinum seems to be a perfect example of the placebo effect. It's amazing how the mind can effect the body...

[Erika]

What great timing! I just saw this for the first time in the long-term care pharmacy I work in, and I was curious as to what it was and what it is used for. Thanks for the review!

[TJ]

Thank you. I have skimmed over the monograph and find it very useful. I know I get questions all the time about this particular product's effectiveness and safety, and I am glad I have a source to reference.

[Hank]

I just watched the webinar on 10 CAM Questions for Flu Season, and it mentioned Oscillococcinum as well. According to the Natural Standard database, Oscillococcinum only has a evidence grade of C (Unclear or Conflicting Scientific Evidence) for the prevention and treatment of influenza. I hope this is more convincing evidence.

[sherilis]

I have read other sources in an attempt to educate myself on the way this product works. The responses from others who have written about the product and the ingredients listed on the manufacturer's website have led me to believe that any added benefit by taking this product (i.e., decrease duration of flu symptoms) may only be due to placebo effects and nothing more.