The rationale for its use in influenza comes from the homoeopathic principle of 'let like be cured by like'. The medicine is manufactured from wild duck heart and liver, a well-known reservoir for influenza viruses. The manufacturers of Oscillococcinum were contacted for information about other trials. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality independently. Only for two studies was there sufficient information to complete data extraction fully.
Further research is warranted but required sample sizes are large.
Current evidence does not support a preventative effect of homeopathy in influenza and influenza-like syndromes. This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. Update Software Ltd. All rights reserved.