Homeopathic products (local classification)
ATC code: V03AX-OSCILLO (Oscillococcinum (homeopathic, local code))
Brand names
Oscillococcinum
A homeopathic product from Muscovy duck heart and liver extract at 200K dilution (mathematically equivalent to 1:10^400 – not a single molecule of original substance remains in a therapeutic dose). Invented by French physician Joseph Roy in 1917 during the 'Spanish flu' pandemic; Roy believed infected patients had 'oscillococci' in the blood, which he found in duck liver. No such pathogen exists in modern medicine.
Not recommended
The common cold is a self-limited viral illness resolving in 7-10 days. No etiotropic therapy exists. International guidelines recommend only symptomatic care: rest, hydration, and antipyretics as needed. Homeopathic products are not included in these documents.
Not recommended
Early in the pandemic the manufacturer Boiron made public statements about oscillococcinum use in COVID-19, drawing warnings from US regulators and several European countries. , CDC, and NIH do not mention the product. Using homeopathy in acute respiratory illness with risk of complications is a missed opportunity to seek real care.
Not recommended
A 2015 Cochrane review 'Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza' concluded there is no reliable evidence of clinical benefit. The product is not mentioned in international influenza guidelines (, CDC, ). Evidence-based options are annual vaccination and, for confirmed influenza, oseltamivir, zanamivir, or baloxavir.
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Oscillococcinum (Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum at 200K homeopathic dilution) is marketed for «immunity» and influenza prophylaxis. The 2015 Cochrane review of homeopathy for influenza found no convincing evidence of clinical benefit. US, Australian, and UK regulators issued warnings to Boiron for marketing the product «for COVID-19» early in the pandemic.
Considered safe for physicochemical reasons (no active substance), but clinical benefit in flu or URI is not proven.
Same considerations as in pregnancy.
Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum (homeopathic) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Common cold (evidence tier F), Influenza (evidence tier F), COVID-19 (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum (homeopathic) (≥ 1 in 100): Allergic reactions (rare). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Considered safe for physicochemical reasons (no active substance), but clinical benefit in flu or URI is not proven.
Same considerations as in pregnancy.
Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum (homeopathic) is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to any component; Lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption. Full list in the Safety section.
homeopathic products do not differ from placebo in RCTs. When a patient takes any 'medicine' and improves over 2-3 days, that reflects the natural course of a URI, not a drug effect.