Echinacea and Prevention of Cold - Assignment Example

Echinacea and Prevention of Cold Gurmandeep Manhas Trent PART Annotated Bibliography BARRETT, B (2003). MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ECHINACEA: A CRITICAL REVIEW. PHYTOMEDICINE This article outlines medicinal use of Echinacea purpurea from which preparations are made and used as alternative treatments for a variety of illnesses. The study outlines that the plant has immunomodulatory properties, exhibiting pharmacological importance by enhancing macrophage activation which leads to a faster immune response to an infection. In addition, the plant products have direct effect on the activities of a variety of leucocytes, most notably the polymorphs and NK cells. In addition, the author asserts that E purpurea have effects on lymphocytes, an effect that could consequently enhance immunological memory thus enhancing response to future infections (Barrett, 2003). This study by Barrett, which is highly based on primary and secondary data sources, indicates that the treatment has various side effects that may include hypersensitivity reactions. Barrett (2003), however, refutes that the side effects are not as grave compared to the purported benefits of the treatment. Barrett’s study is further weakened as it lacks credentials for considerations as an alternative treatment since it has not been effectively tested in the target specimen- human beings. Documentation Barrett’s work is a true definition of a thorough researched work with over hundred of secondary sources. Notably, the reference articles used in this article were written by credible professionals, some of whom have or had long productive medical professional lives, hence had commendable first-hand experience in dealing with human infections. Barrett (2003) is, for instance, a distinguished doctor credited with the many studies he conducted on pharmacognosy, discovering vast new applications of medicinal plants including E purpurea. The wider consultation outlined by Barrett’s work is hence an indication that the information presented is highly likely to be credible and hence, to a greater degree, reliable. Suitability This study asserts that the medicinal plant is a potential pharmacologic treatment for many infections, but at the same time appreciates the fact that the treatment is associated with many side effects. The article notes toxic effects of the extracts as a major concern to the usage of this alternative therapy, an observation widely supported by many of the referenced articles, clearly pointing towards pregnancy and reproductive toxic effects of the medicinal plant. Nevertheless, Echinacea has been widely studied and provides great potential to curing several human and animal illnesses. There is widespread of various forms of human illnesses that have consequently necessitated development of alternative treatments. Most disease- causing organisms have recently been observed to undergo mutations, some of which may lead to hyposensitivity of body defense cells towards such pathogens. As a result, there is greater need to develop alternative treatments that can boost immune reactions towards these microbes. This study is hence a step in the right direction in trying to address these arising issues. BARRETT ET AL (2010): ECHINACEA FOR TREATING THE COMMON COLD: A RANDOMIZED TRIAL This study outlines acute viral respiratory syndrome as a great challenge to human life, and proposes the use of E purpurea as an ideal alternative treatment. Some of the identified infections that can be effectively controlled by extracts of this medicinal plant include rhinovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus and metapneumovirus. The specific effects identified through research work conducted in Germany have shown that Echinacea include immunoactivity- increased cytokine expression and macrophage activation. The journal however acknowledges that the perceived mechanism of action of the plant is not clearly understood, making the drug and its products less reliable. Based on this research, different species of this medicinal plant can be medicinally used, though each species has distinct medicinal extracts concentrated in different organs. These extracts include fresh juice extracted from the shoots of Echinacea purpurea and ethanolic extracts from Echinacea angustifolia. As outlined in this article, other important medicinal constituents from this pharmacologically important plant include cynarin and echinacoside acids. In some instances, caffeic, cichoric, chlorogenic acids and caftaric may also be found. This commendable study uses various techniques and methodologies, relying on both primary and secondary data, to try reach trustworthy conclusions presented in the journal. From the experiments conducted however, the effect of the treatment on cold relief was questionable, indicating that while the plant has been widely perceived to be an ideal control for cold, the hypotheses could as well not be practical. Documentation With a list of over 70 referenced articles, there is minimal if any doubt that this work is a thorough sourced article based on both experimental data and secondary data from commendable and trustworthy authors. The heavy reliance of the work on experiments and laboratory test records gives a clear image of conclusions based on first hand information as they are in the field, rather than secondary assumptions made by other persons, that may in many instances not be accurate. The authors show strategic commitment to their research and even set up follow up mechanisms to ensure that human safety is guaranteed. This is in line with the pharmacologic requirements that outline patient safety as a fundamental factor in drug tests. Suitability The major commitment of this study is to outline the potential usage of Echinacea in cold treatment. The study indeed tries to accomplish this by carrying out several primary experiments and using secondary sources. The study is further set in Denmark, a nation that experiences cold conditions throughout the year. In addition, the study concentrates on measurement of immunologic response to determine the suitability of the treatment. The article thence outlines that common cold is less influenced by Echinacea, hence the treatment could be far less effective as has often been perceived. Barrett B. et al work is a thorough searched experimentally tested study aimed at outlining the medicinal potential of the plant products from Echinacea. The journal is highly based on experimental dosage tests on patients suffering from cold, and is also founded on laboratory tests to determine the possible pharmacologic effects and active constituents of the plant. In any medical setting, it is necessary to test a hypothesized medicine to determine the medical potency of the constituents, tests that will as well be useful in designing the appropriate dosage regimen. This study is focused on determining the potential use of Echinacea in cold treatment. As a result, it is necessary that laboratory and field tests be carried out on subjects exposed to cold conditions. The fact that Barrett’s study was conducted in Iceland clearly outlines their commitment towards achieving accurate results from which accurate deductions can be outlined. This work further outlines serious follow up to the experimental setup further accrediting the work to be committed towards meeting safety standards. TIRALONGO ET AL. (2012): RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL OF ECHINACEA SUPPLEMENTATION IN AIR TRAVELERS Tiralongo and colleagues outline in their study that air passengers can at times be subjected to stressful conditions that may consequently impair their immune response subjecting them to higher instances of respiratory infections such as common cold. As a result, it becomes necessary that interventions be made to guarantee the safety of travelers. As such, this team outlines the basic potential of medicinal plants as a potential solution to these complications, thus proposing Echinacea as a possible treatment. This study is based on the modulating effects of the medicinal plant on immune system, with the plants effects in anti-inflammation, antiviral and immune-modulation effects being of specific interest. As such, the study believes there are reasons to propose usage of Echinacea could to some extent alleviate cold in man, but at the same time acknowledges the stiff opposition to this proposal. In addition, this group of researchers, through a highly randomized research based on both primary and secondary data, indicates that Echinacea treatment was indeed able to considerably lower respiratory infection symptoms in air travelers, thus proving to be a potential drug towards cold treatment. Indications also point towards allergic reactions as common side effects to the treatment, an effect that the study ascertains that can be avoided by stopping consumption of the medicinal plant immediately such side effect symptoms are observed. Documentation This team analysis is based on several other research articles as portrayed by the list of 40 reference sources provided. Some of the sources included are from credible medical practitioners specializing in Pharmacognosy, thus having vast exposure and experience on the usage of medicinal plants and plant extracts such as Echinacea extracts. In addition, the study is well founded on primary research conducted on a team of air travelers hence ascertaining the credibility of the accomplished work. Suitability The main objective of this work was to find the best way of countering the adverse effects of common cold on air travelers. The study determines that respiratory problem is a great issue with grave consequences if not well taken care of, an observation that is supported by several research articles. Also, the study determines that some of the commonly applied treatments to take care of this situation are not as effective as they would have been expected to be thus necessitating need for contemporary and alternative treatment, a treatment that can be well accomplished by regulated usage of Echinacea. It is indeed a major problem that most air travelers often encounter health complications during and after flights, complications that can easily magnify if not well controlled in time. As such, it comes in handy to develop proper treatments that can help alleviate this problem. The proposal by this study to apply Echinacea in helping the travelers avoid respiratory infections during flights is hence a step I the right direction. The major concerns however are the many complications associated with this usage. It therefore means there is greater need to develop alternative treatments to alleviate these side effects. The fact that this study is founded on clearly defined techniques increases its confidentiality and also ensures systematic work is carried out, free of procedural mix-ups common in laboratory and other field tests. Part 2- Critical assessment THE PPOTENTIAL MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE THERAPY In pharmacologic perspective, it is necessary to note that virtually all drugs have their specific modes of action. This is essential in determination of salvage mechanisms should complications arise following administration of a given treatment. Most adverse effects observed in the current medical setup have been seen to be results of adverse chemical hyper-reactions. Therefore, it is a fundamental requirement that medical practitioners provide records on drug activity before such drugs can be deemed acceptable for human usage. The most accurate mechanism of action and the major active constituent of Echinacea treatment has remained a great bone of contention among scientists. The specific pathways, pharmacokinetics and mechanistic activity of the phytochemical constituents are incompletely understood (Barrett et al., 2010). However, these three articles provide a consensus that the major application of the plant for medicinal use is based on the influence possessed by its active constituents on immune system. It has been shown that E purpurea has an immunomodulatory effect which enables it to influence immune response to various infections (Barrett et al., 2010). It has been, in many instances, highlighted that the major motivation behind clinical tests on the potential application of the medicinal drug in cold treatment is its in vitro anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immuno-modulating effects (Tiralongo et al, 2012). Alkylamides, which are potential active agents of the plant extracts, are thought to affect the immune response through cannabinoid type-2 dependent and independent pathways, hence modulating the production of cytokines (Tiralongo et al, 2012). According to Barrett (2003), the effect of the active constituents in the plant extracts are key in activation of macrophages. The macrophages then trigger release of various inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL1, 6, 8 and 12, and PAF. These initiate inflammation that consequently modulates entry of lymphocytes and leucocytes at the site of infection, thus helping to alleviate the infectious organism (Barrett, 2003). ADVERSE EFFECTS The treatment with Echinacea extracts has been associated with various complications within populations. As an example, there have been indications to show that the treatment has adverse effects on the patients. Barrett (2003) indicates that the treatment is associated with many allergic reactions including burning of mouth and throat, tightness of chest, urticaria and diarrhea. In addition, several cases of nausea, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and abdominal pains have been reported in several patients (Barrett, 2003). There have also been claims of pregnancy and reproductive health associated risks, though these have been squashed as observed by Barrett (2003). Despite the widespread claims of toxic nature of the treatment, research have declared the treatment safe for human use, noting that even at high doses of up to 15g/kg body weight had no potential of killing a rat. This observation is further supported by observations that no major risks were observed by Barrett B. et al. The team however, in their research acknowledged the presence of a few adversities including bad taste of the plant product, though the pattern of this effects were varied from patient to patient, giving no standard outline of the effects that could be directly associated with Echinacea treatment. Some researchers have thus far attributed the discrepancies and adverse effects observed to variations in applied outcome measures, treatment protocols, and variations in Echinacea preparations (Tiralongo et al, 2012). Interactions and Contraindications for the Chosen Alternative Therapy When compared to placebo treatment, Echinacea proves to be a more potent drug towards control of common cold, producing higher dose response (Tiralongo et al, 2012). The concern however is on the safety of its usage since there is very scanty information on the mechanism of action of its active constituents. Moreover, the adverse effects commonly encountered by persons on Echinacea treatment provide a good reason against its usage. Furthermore, the fact that oxygen treatments for people on flights could greatly lower the instances of common cold provides a better option to be adopted, rather than risk adopting treatments that they are not sure of. The clinical procedures involving this medicinal plant have often given mixed results leading to further questioning on the validity of Echinacea treatment. In nursing practice, patient safety is the greatest priority and must hence be ensured by all means. This hence implies that the less effective but proven treatments would be more appealing compared to the highly irregular Echinacea extracts. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Based on the research and findings of the assessed articles, it clearly comes out that medicinal plants have a great role to play in the development of pharmacognosy. These plants not only provide one of the greatest safe-to-use products that can hardly be found from any other sources, but are also essential prototypes in the development of new and advanced medicine. The studies clearly outline that common cold is clearly developing into a grave issue, leading to health complications that may be disastrous. As such, these articles clearly outline the need for proper treatments to ensure that the problems are well taken care of. As such, the articles have, in depth, explored the potential of Echinacea in cold control and have indeed found reasons, though minimal, to make us believe that the plant has great potential to be medicinally used, not only in cold prevention and treatment, but in other treatments such as antiviral treatments as well. The major concern however is the failure of the clinical and laboratory tests with this plant to live up to the expectations. Most studies have pointed towards low activity and patient response towards the drug coupled with adverse side effects and allergic reactions. This analysis determines that virtually all potential drugs have adverse effects, the severity of which varies. It is hence the work of scientific medical research panels to establish the causes of these adverse reactions and outline possible ways of preventing them. In comparison to other treatments however, Tiralongo et al (2012) shows that there is higher response of patients to Echinacea treatment. In addition, pharmacological application of the drug requires that the practitioners set up clear dosage regimen, which is often based on average patient response to the treatment. In normal instances, it is often expected that such responses exhibit normal dispersion with over 95% of the tested patients falling within 2 standard deviations. On the contrary, Echinacea treatment is a clear manifestation of an irregular variation with massive deviations making predictability of treatments difficult. This coupled to the toxicity and allergic reactions experienced by different patient groups may easily make one to conclude against adopting Echinacea as an ideal treatment for cold. To be able to effectively recommend a drug to a patient, it is necessary that the medical practitioner be well versed with the mechanism of action exhibited by the active constituents in the proposed drug. As such, it is unquestionable from the articles discussed herein that not only are the mechanism of action unclear, but the researchers are as well not sure of the specific active constituents. The fact that these studies present the fact that the plant has been medicinally used in various parts of the world since time immemorial could as well mean that the drug may be effective with fewer complications in specific populations. This can be attributed to genetic differences among different populations, which has pharmacologically been identified as a key factor in drug potency and response. This analysis therefore believes that there are sufficient reasons to believe that the plant has great potential to be medicinally used. However, it’s recommended that well programmed multidisciplinary teams be set up to conduct research aimed at determining the most likely mechanism of action of the drug before its large scale use can be permitted. Reference Barrett, B. (2003). Medicinal Properties of Echinacea: A Critical Review. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 66-86. doi:org/10.1078/094471103321648692 Barrett, B. et al (2010). Echinacea for Treating the Common Cold - A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2012, 769-777. doi:.org/10.1155/2012/417267 Tiralongo, E. et al (2012). Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Echinacea Supplementation in Air Travelers. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/417267 Read More