In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Powder Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as Nasal Mucosal Barrier.

Introduction: Insufflation of powder hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (pHPMC) in the nose has been proven an effective barrier in subjects with rhinitis in many clinical studies. We conducted additionally in vitro and in vivo experiments to address outstanding efficacy and safety issues.

Methods: We used an experimental setup to demonstrate the inhibition of the diffusion of allergen extracts (house dust mite, Japanese cedar, Ragweed, Timothy grass) and pollutants (particulate matter 2.

Methyl-cellulose powder for prevention and management of nasal symptoms.

HPMC-p, an inert micronized powder form of hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose, when insufflated nasally, provides a natural barrier against pollen allergens and noxious agents. This overview assesses the efficacy and safety of this patented powder product and delivery system without an analogue among the cellulose derivatives. Areas covered: Twenty-six studies with HPMC-p were critically appraised to obtain an updated characteristic of the product.

In vitro activity of an aqueous allicin extract and a novel allicin topical gel formulation against Lancefield group B streptococci.

Background: Studies have shown the efficacy of intra-partum antibiotics in preventing early-onset group B streptococcal sepsis. This approach results in a high intra-partum antibiotic use. Worryingly, the same antibiotics used in prophylaxis are also first-line treatment for neonatal sepsis, and antibiotic exposure in the peri-natal period has been shown to be a risk factor for late-onset serious bacterial infections and allergic disease.

Preventing airborne infection with an intranasal cellulose powder formulation (Nasaleze travel).

A total of 52 volunteers were recruited to take part in a dual-centered, randomized, blinded study so investigators could determine whether the level of airborne infection could be significantly reduced in patients randomly assigned to treatment with either Nasaleze cellulose extract alone or a combination of Nasaleze cellulose and powdered garlic extract (PGE). One puff into each nostril was recommended, and volunteers who developed an infection while traveling were told to use at least 3 puffs per nostril until symptoms were reduced. This study took place over an 8-wk period across Finland and the United Kingdom between November 2006 and March 2007.

Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey.

One hundred sixty-eight volunteers were randomized to receive a placebo or a vitamin C supplement, two tablets daily, over a 60-day period between November and February. They used a five-point scale to assess their health and recorded any common cold infections and symptoms in a daily diary. Compared with the placebo group, the active-treatment group had significantly fewer colds (37 vs 50, P<.