Product Review – Sinulex® Forte Syrup

This is an objective, independently written product review on Sinulex^® Forte Syrup – a diabetic friendly, botanical syrup suitable for everyone over the age of 2 years.

Use as prescribed for the symptomatic relief of a common cold, including coughs, nasal congestion and sinusitis.

The ingredients in Sinulex^® Forte Syrup have clinical data to show its efficacy in the fight against viral and bacterial infections. The result: a reduction in the severity of symptoms associated with inflammation of the sinus cavities and respiratory tract infections. Use as prescribed, this herbal tonic may soothe a sore throat, act as an anti-spasmodic, reduce- , loosen- and expel mucous. These factors are key in reducing the duration of general cold and flu symptoms.

Sinulex^® Forte Syrup is lactose-, GMO-, soya-, tartrazine- and sugar-free, and does not contain pseudoephedrine or any stimulants such as caffeine.

INGREDIENTS

Sinulex^® Forte Syrup is a natural product containing Primula veris L. (Cowslip) 141,42 mg [flower, as 1:11 ethanol extract equivalent to 12,85 mg dried herb]

Rumex acetosa L. (Field sorrel) 141,42 mg [herb, as 1:11 ethanol extract equivalent to 12,85 mg dried herb]

 Sambucus nigra L. (Elderflower) 141,42 mg [flower, as 1:11 ethanol extract equivalent to 12,85 mg dried herb]

Verbena officinalis L. (Verbena) 141,42 mg [herb, as 1:11 ethanol extract equivalent to 12,85 mg dried herb]

Gentiana lutea L. (Yellow gentian) 47,14 mg  [root, as 1:11 ethanol extract equivalent to 4,28 mg dried herb]

Excipients with known effects:

Preservatives: Potassium sorbate 0,035 % m/v, sodium benzoate 0,045 % m/v.

Contains sweetener: Each 5 ml contains 2 716,65 mg sorbitol.

Contains alcohol: Ethanol 5,5% m/m.

The art of the combination of herbal preparations is a typical feature within phytotherapy and has been at the heart of herbal medicine for thousands of years and in all ancient cultures. A combined herbal preparation has the potential of becoming more than the sum of its parts; otherwise known as the synergistic effect.

The herbal extracts in Sinulex^® Forte Syrup were selected because of their anti-inflammatory action, their ability to protect the mucous membranes, and expel thick mucous.

Lets have a look at the ingredients

Primula Veris flower (also known as cowslip) has a long history of medicinal use and is known for its anti-inflammatory¹, diuretic, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activity.^2-4

The plant contains saponins, which have an expectorant effect.⁵ Primula Veris flower is a clinically and pharmacologically well-documented modern plant-based medicine for the relief of bronchitis, catarrhs of the respiratory tract and chronic coughs (especially those associated with chronic bronchitis and catarrhal congestion), as it is a well-know antispasmodic.

Field Sorrel herb (also known as sheep sorrel and botanically called Rumex acetoa) is known in the plant medicine world for its anti-inflammatory⁶ action. Sorrel is used traditionally to reduce swelling of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, and for treating bacterial infections. The tannins in sorrel have a drying effect and reduces mucous production.

Elderflower (botanically called Sambucus nigra). An elderflower infusion is known to be very effective in the treatment of chest complaints and acts as an expectorant⁷. It relieves asthmatic symptoms and spurious croup⁸ in children. Traditionally elder flower has been used in the management of swollen sinuses, coughs and upper respiratory cold infections, bronchitis, hoarseness, shortness of breath and general flu symptoms.⁹ European folk medicine has employed the elderflower as an antiviral, and traditional Chinese medicine documented a related species, Sambucus williamsii, as an anti-inflammatory.

Recent studies have indeed identified evidence of the Elderflower’s efficacy as an antiviral. In 1995, researchers Zakay-Rones et al. conducted a placebo-controlled study using the extract during an outbreak of influenza B in a small community in Panama – the results were dramatic. Over 90% of the group treated with Elder extract, showed significant improvement of symptoms within 2 days, compared with 16.7% of controls. Since that initial study, several laboratory studies have supported the plants’ anti-influenza efficacy against both A and B human influenza viruses.

In a study of Norwegian patients with flu-like symptoms, those given Elderflower’s extract recovered four days sooner than those given a placebo.¹⁰

Verbena herb 

The Verbena herb has mucolytic and anti-inflammatory action¹¹. Traditionally, Lemon verbena has been used to treat sore throats and respiratory tract diseases such as asthma and whooping cough.  The leaves and flowering stems are antibacterial and antispasmodic.^12-18 Further investigation has shown anti-rhinosinusitis activity.

Yellow Gentian root 

The Yellow Gentian plant, which has not flowered, stores the richest medicinal properties in its roots. Also known as ‘bitter root’, the root of Yellow Gentian has an anti-inflammatory¹⁹ action and has been widely used as an excellent tonic.  It is also antibacterial²⁰ and effective for treating infections such as sinusitis, cough, colds and other related symptoms. It provides the body the required antioxidants²¹and nutrients to combat these issues.

Sinulex^® Forte Syrup comes in 100 ml bottle.

DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE

It is recommended to take this dosage for 7 to 14 consecutive days. Take in three daily doses, once in the morning, once midday and once in the evening, either undiluted or mixed with some water. Patents with gastrointestinal sensitivity to take Sinulex^® Forte Syrup after meals. If the symptoms worsen or persist, please consult your healthcare provider.

Children aged 2 to 5 years: take 2,1 ml 3 times daily.

Children aged 6 to 12 years: take 3,5 ml 3 times daily.

Adults and adolescents above 12 years: take 7 ml 3 times daily.

Do not exceed the recommended or prescribed daily dosage. Shake well before use.

Sinulex^® Forte Syrup is available without a prescription from all leading pharmacies.

For other product reviews in this range: Sinulex^® Forte Capsules and Sinulex^® Forte Fizzies.

Editor’s note: Confused about the difference between sinusitis and allergies, click here.  For more information on how to manage sinusitis naturally, click here. 

This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. The information given here is not meant to be a substitute for seeing a health professional. It is our opinion only, based on several years of research, in consultation with world experts. We’re sure you’ll find it useful, but please use it wisely and always exercise common sense.

Resource

1. Rios-Covian D, Ruas-Madiebo PM, Margolles A, et al. Intestinal short chain fatty acids and their link with diet and human health. Front Microbial 2016;17:185 (epub 17 February 2016), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26925050/.