Benefits
Chest and airway comfort: symptom scores fell faster than on placebo
In three manufacturer trials in adults with acute bronchitis (124 to 468 people), a bronchitis symptom score fell more by day 7 on EPs 7630 than on placebo, and in the largest, inability to work fell to 16% versus 43%. An independent review judged the liquid extract may help but rated the evidence low quality, and tablets less consistent.
Nose and sinus comfort
One trial in 103 adults with acute sinusitis and one cold trial reported more people recovered on the extract, the cold trial only after 10 days and not after 5. An independent review rated both very low quality evidence, so the effect is uncertain. The EMA accepts the extract only on the basis of traditional use for cold symptoms.
Immune and antibacterial activity in lab studies
In lab studies, the extract cut the sticking of strep bacteria to cultured airway cells by up to 46% and raised the beat rate of cultured nasal cilia. A review paid for by the maker describes antibacterial, antiviral and immune effects in lab work. These effects have not been measured in people taking it.
Use in children
An independent review included three trials in 819 children with acute bronchitis and rated the evidence low quality. The EMA does not recommend it under age 3, and says children under 6 should get only liquid forms. A child with fever, wheeze or trouble breathing needs a clinician.
Mechanism of action
Less bacterial sticking to airway cells
In cell studies at 0 to 30 micrograms per ml, EPs 7630 reduced attachment of group A strep to HEp-2 cells by up to 46% and reduced their entry into the cells, while it increased attachment to shed cheek cells, which the authors proposed helps clear bacteria.
Faster cilia beating
In cultured human nasal cells, EPs 7630 raised ciliary beat frequency to 123% of baseline at 30 micrograms per ml and 133% at 100 micrograms per ml, an effect that reversed after rinsing. Cilia move mucus out of the airway.
Antiviral and immune effects in the laboratory
A 2024 review, funded by the extract's maker, describes antibacterial, antiviral, immune-modulating and airway barrier effects in laboratory work. None of these has been confirmed as the way it acts in people.
Clinical trials
Cochrane systematic review of double-blind randomized trials; 8 of 10 eligible trials analyzed (Timmer et al. 2013, Cochrane Database Syst Rev).
Adults and children with acute bronchitis, sinusitis or the common cold.
Three adult bronchitis trials (746 people) showed benefit for most outcomes with the liquid but not with tablets. One sinusitis trial (103 adults) and one cold trial were positive, the cold trial only at day 10. Evidence was low quality for bronchitis and very low for sinusitis and colds; the trials came from the manufacturer and publication bias was suspected. Adverse events were more common but none serious.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 30 drops three times daily for 7 days at 36 primary care practices (Matthys et al. 2003, Phytomedicine).
468 adults with acute bronchitis for 48 hours or less.
The bronchitis symptom score fell 5.9 points on EPs 7630 versus 3.2 on placebo (p < 0.0001). Inability to work fell to 16% versus 43%, and illness was shorter. Adverse events, all non-serious, occurred in 20 versus 16 people.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 30 drops three times daily for 7 days at six outpatient clinics (Chuchalin et al. 2005, Explore (NY)).
124 adults with acute bronchitis for 48 hours or less.
The symptom score fell 7.2 points on EPs 7630 versus 4.9 on placebo (p < 0.0001), and onset of effect within four days was more common (68.8% vs 33.3%). Adverse events, all non-serious, occurred in 15 of 64 versus 10 of 60.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 tablets at 30, 60 or 90 mg/day versus placebo for 7 days (Matthys et al. 2010, Curr Med Res Opin).
406 adults with acute bronchitis.
Symptom scores fell 2.7 points on placebo and 4.3, 6.1 and 6.3 points on the three doses (all p < 0.0001 versus placebo). Adverse events were mild to moderate and became more frequent with dose; the authors chose 60 mg/day as the best balance.