Oscillococcinum statitically significant in recovery from symptoms of a flu epidemic
Oscillococcinum is a 200c potency of an autolysate of Barbary duck heart and liver.
Double blind placebo controlled study in 1987 during a Flu outbreak:
Was given to those with rectal temperature of 38°C (100.4°F)or above, and at least two of the following symptoms: headache, stiffness, lumbar or articular pain and shivers.The first manifestations had to have occurred less than 24 hours before the study..
After 48 hours, 17% of the active treatment group had fully recovered, compared to 10% of the placebo group. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.03, X2 test). Further analysis showed that the effect of Oscillococcinum peaked at 36 hours,
when 40% of recoveries were attributable to the treatment. It was most effective in younger patients - 68% of recoveries within 48 hours in the under-30’s were due to treatment; and when the illness was relatively mild - 52% of the recoveries from illnesses classified mild or moderate were due to treatment. Patients on active treatment used significantly less other treatment for pain and fever (50% v 41%, p=0.04), they also judged the active treatment more efficacious than placebo (61% v 49% p=0.02).
The Lancet commented favorably on the trial, remarking that the authors were restrained in their discussion, and describing the difference between placebo and active treatment as “respectable”. The Lancet’s report was “quadruple-blind” mentioning only at the very end that the treatment was homoeopathic.
Relief of flu symptoms with homeopathy supported by Courts
Homeopathic pharmacies win a positive verdict allowing advertising of Oscillococcinum for relief of flu symptoms. On November 8, 2018, the Ninth Circuit supported a jury verdict in a consumer class action in favor of the Defendants Boiron Inc. and Boiron USA, Inc. (together, “Boiron”), the sellers of a homeopathic treatment for flu-like symptoms called Oscillococcinum (“Oscillo”).
For Influenza, Higher Patient Satisfaction using only homeopathy
Ellen Madono’s comment: Based on my personal clinical experience, when remedies are prescribed specifically for individuals who have the flu that statistical results should be better. However, using this method, a double blind study would be impossible. Also, if the test participants have used homeopathy early in their disease process, they would have had better results. Usually, tests are run on combination remedies.
The study only compares patient satisfaction comparing allopathy (AGP) and Homeopath (HGP). The homeopathic remedy is given by a homeopath based on the symptoms of the individual. The hodgepodge of allopathy and homeopathy medicines is striking. Pure homeopathy gets the highest satisfaction rate.
"This study examined the clinical management of ILI by AGPs and HGPs during the 2009–2010 influenza season in France. The results show that homeopathy is widely accepted in France for treating ILI and does not preclude the use of allopathic medications. However, patients are more satisfied with their treatment when prescribed exclusively homeopathic medicines, including Oscillococcinum. This difference could be the result of the lower risk and fewer side-effects associated with homeopathic treatments, compared to conventional care."
Another statistical study. A combination remedy (Aconitum D3, Bryonia D2, Eupatorium perfoliatum D1, Gelsemium D3, Ipecacuanha D3, and Phosphorus D5 which is called IFC, Influcid) is compared to the standard treatment. In this case, the satisfaction rate is much better for the homeopathic remedy.
Satisfaction rates for using only homeopathy are much higher compared to typical medicines.