Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 17, 05/14/2009

Question

Is there any evidence that the homeopathic medicine, Oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200CK HPUS) is effective at preventing or treating swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) viral infections?

Answer

Part 1.  The recent emergence and global impact of the swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus along with the knowledge that available methods for prevention and treatment are limited has raised concerns about how we will be able to offer preventative therapies and/or treatment to those in need should the situation worsen.  While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®) as effective therapies, worldwide supply is not sufficient to offer prophylaxis or treatment to everyone.(1,2)  In addition, there are a number of people that will not take treatments that are not "natural" or that are known to be synthetic/prescription medications.  As such, the use of natural, herbal or homeopathic treatments thought to be active against swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) viral infections is likely to increase and are now being advocated by a number of non-medical sources found on the internet.  One such homeopathic medicine being recommended is Oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200CK HPUS).(3)

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