Cold-fX

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Cold-fX is a product derived from the roots of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).[1] It is marketed as a daily supplement to improve the body's immune system and aid in preventing common cold and flu, as well as a treatment to reduce the duration and severity of the diseases.[2]

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[edit] Clinical evidence

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal concluded that "ingestion of a poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharide–rich extract of the roots of North American ginseng in a moderate dose over 4 months reduced the mean number of colds per person, the proportion of subjects who experienced 2 or more colds, the severity of symptoms and the number of days cold symptoms were reported." [3]

Immune response to COLD-fX was investigated further in a subset of this population. Blood levels of T lymphocytes, T Helper cells and natural killer cells increased in the COLD-fX group which may be related to an observed reduction in the severity of colds experienced in the COLD-fX group (Predy, G.N., Goel, V., Lovlin, R.E. & Basu, T.K. (2006) Immune modulating effects of daily supplementation of COLD-fX (a proprietary extract of North American Ginseng) in healthy adults J. Clin Biochem Nutr 39:162-167).

In another study (double-blind, placebo-controlled) in community-dwelling adults the COLD-fX group experienced fewer colds and they were of shorter duration than the placebo group in the last two months of the trial (McElhaney, J.E., Goel, V., Toane, B., Hooten, J. & Shan, J.J. (2006) Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. J Alt Comp Med 12:153-157). COLD-fX did not result in any positive IOC doping tests in athletes after 28 days of administration, meaning that it is not a source of inadvertent exposure to banned or restricted substances (Goel, D.P., Geiger, J.D., Shan, J.J., Kriellaars, D & Pierce, G.N. (2004) Doping-control urinalysis of a ginseng extract, COLD-fX, in athletes Int J Sport Nutrit Exercise Metab).

[edit] Praise for Cold-fX

COLD-fX has received several reviews within the health/medical community. Health Canada said that 'CV Technologies Inc. can market COLD-fX as helping "to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system."' [4] The University of California’s UC Berkeley Wellness Letter called the clinical trials for Cold fX “well designed” and mentioned “promising results”. [5].


The Center for Science in the Public Interest, in a medical review of 10 popular natural cold remedies, concluded that “…Cold-fX is the only remedy we found with any evidence that it might improve your chances of getting through the cold and flu season without coming down with something.” [6]

The American Botanical Council concluded that Cold-fX demonstrated “impressive” benefits to users. [7]

[edit] Criticisms of Cold-fX

There have been some doubts in the medical and scientific research community that Cold-fX is not as effective as has been claimed. Some allege that the science does not fully support the claims being made. Other scientific research has however produced significant results( Predy 2005, McElhaney 2006).

Other criticisms of the studies point out that they have so far been very small scale, and that more data is needed before determining any effects[8]. Some have pointed out that there aren't enough studies on the effects of any form of Ginseng on the common cold to form any conclusions[9].

Other argue that COLD-FX has not been tested for it's ability to treat a cold after an individual has been infected[10]. In addition, no studies have yet been performed to assess the possible long term side effects of taking the pills every day during the cold and flu season. [8] However, ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and is considered safe.

CV Technologies Inc., the makers of Cold-fX, were criticized for making health claims about this product that have never been tested or verified scientifically. Up until February of 2007 the company advised a regimen of 18 pills over a course of 3 days in order to obtain "immediate relief" from a cold. Health Canada's review of the scientific literature confirmed that this is not a claim that CV Technologies Inc. is entitled to make[11]. The company formulated a sperate product for this usage. A CV Technologies press release explained the change in the dosing regimen as a choice to take a two-tier approach application to Health Canada [12]


There is also some question as to whether the cost of taking Cold-fX is worth the alleged benefits.

[edit] References

  1. ^ What is COLD-fX intended for?. Cold-fX: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  2. ^ What is COLD-fX intended for?. Cold-fX: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  3. ^ Predy, G.N.; V. Goel, R. Lovlin, A. Donner, L. Stitt and T.K. Basu (Oct 2005). "Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial". CMAJ 173 (9): 1043–1048. doi:10.1503/cmaj.1041470. PMID 16247099. 
  4. ^ Pilieci,, Vito. "Health Canada approves COLD-fX's claims", The Ottawa Citizen, February 16, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-11-24. 
  5. ^ UC Berkeley (2007-06-15). Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements. Wellness Letter.
  6. ^ David Schardt (January 2007). Un-catching colds. Nutrition Action Health letter.
  7. ^ Dr. Bruce Barrett (MD, PhD) and Dr. Donald J. Brown (ND). Therapeutic Monograph and Clinical Overview of CVT-E002 (COLD-fX). American Botanical Council.
  8. ^ a b Fighting the Common Cold. ABC News (2005-10-25).
  9. ^ William Lin (2007-02-16). Does ginseng really work? It depends on who you ask. The Ottawa Citizen.
  10. ^ Ginseng Unproven in U.S.. Los Angeles Times (2008-02-18).
  11. ^ Charlie Gillis (2007-03-26). COLD-fX catches the sniffles again. Macleans Magazine.
  12. ^ COLD-fX Sets Record Straight: Health Canada’s Approval of New Medical Claims Unchanged. CV Technologies (March, 5 2007).
  • Goel DP et al. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2004, 14(4): 473-80.
  • McElhaney JE et al. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 2004, 52:13-19.
  • McElhaney JE et al. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2006, 12(2): 153-157.
  • McElhaney JE, and D Reid. Presented at the First International Scientific congress on Nutrition Athletic Performance, Edmonton, Alberta. August 2001.
  • McElhaney JE, et al. Manuscript in preparation.
  • Predy GN et al. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2005, 173 (9): 1043.
  • Predy GN et al. (in press).
  • Ueng YF et al. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2002, 13(2): 89-96.
  • Wang M et al. International Immunopharmacology, 2004, 4: 311-315.
  • Wang M et al. Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2001, 53: 1515-1523.
  • Yang JC et al. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 29(1): 149-154.
  • Nielsen MarketTrack, National Grocery Banner+Mass Merch+Drug+General Merch+Warehouse Club, 52 weeks May 12, 2007, Natural Supplements + Cold Remedies