Health Benefits of Oscillococcinum

Also known as Anas barbariae hepatitis and Cordis extractum 200 c, Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy used in the treatment of influenza.

Based on the theory that "like cures like," homeopathy aims to treat illness by delivering very small doses of a substance that produces symptoms characteristic of the illness being treated. According to homeopathic philosophy, these highly diluted doses can activate the body's innate self-healing mechanisms.

Oscillococcinum is made from extracts of duck heart and liver, which homeopaths believe to be reservoirs of the influenza virus. The remedy is prepared using 200 dilutions. The first mixture contains 1 percent of the duck extract, the second mixture contains 1 percent of the first mixture, the third mixture contains 1 percent of the second mixture, and so on until it has been diluted 200 times.

While a small number of studies suggest that Oscillococcinum may have some beneficial effects for people with the flu, there's no evidence that the remedy can prevent flu or serve as a first-line treatment for the virus. Here's a look at several study findings:

• In a 2007 review of seven studies on complementary medicine in treatment or prevention of the flu, researchers found "some encouraging data" for the use of Oscillococcinum. However, the review concluded that "the effectiveness of any complementary and alternative therapy for treating or preventing seasonal influenza is not established beyond reasonable doubt."
• In a review published in 2006 and then withdrawn in 2009, scientists sized up seven studies (including a total of 3,459 participants) and found that treatment with Oscillococcinum shortened the length of influenza illness by 0.28 days. There was no evidence that Oscillococcinum could help prevent the flu.
• In another research review, published in 2005, investigators determined that the Oscillococcinum's popularity is not supported by scientific evidence.

Since they're so diluted, homeopathic remedies such as Oscillococcinum tend not to cause adverse effects. In some cases, however, patients may briefly feel worse after first beginning their homeopathic treatment.

Despite the low risk of side effects, it's important to take caution when using Oscillococcinum in treatment of the flu. Because the flu virus can lead to complications like pneumonia (a potentially life-threatening condition), you should seek medical attention if you experience flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and high fever.

Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend Oscillococcinum for the flu. Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also, keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. If you're considering the use of homeopathy, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.