General practice Terapia 2023, 7 ( 426 ) : 34 - 39
Natural plant extracts in the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in children over 6 months of age
Summary:
Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common reason for consulting a paediatrician. They account for about 50–60% of all community-acquired infections, clinically the most common form is the common cold (acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract). Exposure to various external factors, such as environmental pollution or pathogens (viruses, bacteria) that affect homeostasis, may be responsible for the increase in morbidity. The immune system is largely responsible for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring health. Insufficient immune defence leads primarily to the occurrence of severe and recurrent infections, while excessive activity of the immune system causes the development of allergies and/or autoimmune diseases. Thus, a well-balanced immunity is crucial for maintaining human health. A child's immune system is different than an adult's. It is still in its maturation phase and will not reach peak immunity until around 12 years of age. Medicinal plants, plant extracts and extracts, beekeeping products and other natural compounds with immunomodulating properties may play an important, yet underestimated, therapeutic and prophylactic role in intensifying immune processes and in regulating and balancing the immune system. The effectiveness and safety of drugs and natural supplements based on plant extracts has been confirmed in many clinical trials. As a result, these preparations are widely used in Europe, including Poland. Plants that have an immunostimulation effect and have an impact on the prevention of infection include, among others, African geranium, elderberry extracts, linden inflorescence, acerola fruit. The article briefly presents the characteristics and phytopharmaceutical properties of these four plants.
Keywords: respiratory tract infections, immunomodulation, African geranium, elderberry, linden, acerola, children
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