Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
The common cold and influenza (flu) are upper respiratory tract conditions; the former characterized by nasal or throat discomfort, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, and malaise, and the latter by fever, coryza, anorexia, cough, headache, malaise and myalgia (Beers et al., 2006). The common cold can be caused by over 200 rhinoviruses while influenza is mostly due to influenza virus A or B. Cold symptoms usually clear after 7-10 days, influenza which is more severe lasts for 2-3 weeks (Eccles, 2005). Athletes are susceptible to common colds and influenza infections due to intensive physical activities and stress, which lowers their immune systems and increases the risk of spread among team-mates. To avoid missing competitions and practice, it would be advantageous for athletes to receive prophylactic treatment during the high risk period for colds and flu such as in winter (Brukner and Khan, 2006). Pelargonium sidoides, which is an ingredient of Linctagon® spray, is a well-researched plant extract which has antiviral, antibacterial and immune-modulator effects (Nativa, 2011). Its effect as a prophylactic for athletes has not been researched.
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Linctagon® spray in preventing common colds and influenza in female soccer teams of the University of Johannesburg.
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which took place over 63 days. Thirty female participants aged between 18-30 years were recruited from the University of Johannesburg female soccer teams via direct recruitment during training sessions on the University of Johannesburg Bunting campus. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria completed the Participant Information, Profile and Consent Forms. On day 1, the participants underwent a physical examination (vitals, ear, nose, throat and chest examinations). Participants either received a 20 ml bottle of Linctagon® spray or a placebo spray. Five squirts were taken orally twice daily for nine weeks. Participants also received three Wellness Questionnaires and Health Questionnaires to complete at home weekly and returned these at the following visits. On day 21 and day 42, the researcher collected the completed Questionnaires, performed a physical examination, dispensed and gave participants additional medication, and three additional Wellness and Health Questionnaires. At the final consultation, day 63, the researcher collected the questionnaires, and did a fourth and final physical examination. The data was collected from the participants and analyzed according to group frequencies and independent T-tests.
The outcome indicated that the placebo was equally as effective as Linctagon® spray in the prophylaxis of common cold and influenza infections in female soccer team players of the University of Johannesburg for the duration of the study.