Oscillococcinum?

Related Terms

Anas barbariae, Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200CK HPUS, Anas moschata, avian heart and liver, avian liver extract, Cairina moschata, canard de barbarie (French), duck liver extract, Muscovy duck, ornitococcinum, oscillo, oticoccinum.

Background

Oscillococcinum? (Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200CK HPUS), a patented homeopathic preparation manufactured by a French-based company (Boiron Laboratories), is marketed and widely used for the treatment and prevention of influenza symptoms, including "feeling run down," headache, body aches, chills, and fever. It is made from the heart and liver of wild duck and undergoes multiple dilutions (one part in 100, 200 times in a row, i.e., 200C), after which there are reportedly few to no original duck liver or heart molecules in the final product.
There is some preliminary evidence in humans suggesting that Oscillococcinum? may shorten the duration of the flu. However, it has not been found to prevent the flu. Despite its popularity and anecdotal reports of effectiveness, there is currently little scientific evidence that Oscillococcinum? is superior to placebo.
More research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of Oscillococcinum?, especially in young children and pregnant and lactating women.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Limited research reports that Oscillococcinum? may reduce the duration of influenza. There is a lack of evidence to support the use of Oscillococcinum? for influenza prevention. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited research reports that Oscillococcinum? may reduce the duration of influenza. There is a lack of evidence to support the use of Oscillococcinum? for influenza prevention. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


There are some positive findings suggesting that Oscillococcinum? may reduce the duration of influenza, but despite positive findings, the effect tends to be small. Additional research is needed.

 C


There are some positive findings suggesting that Oscillococcinum? may reduce the duration of influenza, but despite positive findings, the effect tends to be small. Additional research is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Oscillococcinum? reportedly is most effective when taken immediately upon the onset of flu symptoms.
For cold or flu symptoms, dosing is based on manufacturer instructions. The entire contents of one tube should be dissolved in the mouth every six hours, up to three times daily until symptoms resolve. In clinical research, five doses were taken (the first sublingually (under the tongue) in the doctor's office and then four on the following mornings and evenings).

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
There are reports that Oscillococcinum? may be used safely with other over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Oscillococcinum? may interact with antivirals or agents that affect the immune system.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Casanova P, Gerard R. Results of three years of randomised, multicentre studies on Oscillococcinum/placebo [Bilan de 3 annees d'etudes randomisees multicentriques Oscillococcinum/placebo]. 1992;
Casanova P. Homeopathy, flu syndrome and double blinding [Homeopathie, syndrome grippal et double insu]. Tonus 1984;(25):26.
Ernst E. A systematic review of systematic reviews of homeopathy. Br J Clin.Pharmacol 2002;54(6):577-582.
Ferley JP, Zmirou D, D'Adhemar D, et al. A controlled evaluation of a homoeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza-like syndromes. Br J Clin.Pharmacol 1989;27(3):329-335.
Guo R, Pittler MH, Ernst, E. Complementary medicine for treating or preventing influenza or influenza-like illness. Am.J Med 2007;120(11):923-929.
Jaber, R. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care 2002;29(2):231-261.
Linde K, Hondras M, Vickers A, et al. Systematic reviews of complementary therapies - an annotated bibliography. Part 3: homeopathy. BMC Complement Altern Med 2001;1:4.
Nollevaux MA. Clinical study of Mucococcinum 200K as a preventative treatment against flu: a double blind trial versus placebo [Klinische studie van Mucococcinum 200K als preventieve behandeling van griepachtige aandoeningen: een dubbelblinde test tegenover placebo]. 1990;
Papp R, Schuback G, Beck, E, et al. Oscillococcinum in patients with influenza-like syndromes: a placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation. British Homoeopathic Journal 1998;87:69-76.
Rottey EE, Verleye GB, Liagre RL. The effects of a homeopathic remedy made of micro-organisms in the prevention of flu. A randomised double-blind trial in GP practices [Het effect van een homeopathische bereiding van micro-organismen bij de preventie van griepsymptomen. Een gerandomiseerd dubbel-blind onderzoek in de huisartspraktijk]. Tijdschrift voor Integrale Geneeskunde 1995;11:54-58.
van der Wouden JC, Bueving HJ, Poole P. Preventing influenza: an overview of systematic reviews. Respir Med 2005;99(11):1341-1349.
Vickers, A. J. and Smith, C. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006;3:CD001957.
Vickers AJ, Smith C. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD001957.
Vickers AJ, Smith C. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD001957.