Background: It is known that no treatment has yet been developed for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) caused by many different pathogenic mechanisms and the immune system must be strong in order to overcome the symptoms. Aim: To research the antimicrobial effects against clinically significant bacterial and fungal organisms and antioxidant activities of some syrups sold with and without prescriptions and commonly used for URTI in children. Design and setting: This study analyzed the syrups recommended by pediatricians for upper respiratory infections. Method: The antimicrobial efficacy of 10 syrups, 5 of which are chemical-based and 5 of which are herbal-based, against microbial species was tested with the disc diffusion method and obtained results were statistically analyzed. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of the syrup samples were evaluated based on different methodand total phenolic contents. Results: Found herbal-based syrups had mean activity (11 mm) that was higher compared to chemical-based syrups (9.42 mm) according to inhibition diameters. While the total phenolic content of a syrup with chemical origin was higher than that of all other syrups, the antioxidant activity of another syrup containing many herbal extracts at the same time was considerably higher as a result of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay. Conclusion: The strongest antimicrobial activity was identified in syrups with herbal-based active material of Pelargonium sidoides root extract and thyme fluid extract. The antioxidant activities of herbal syrups containing extracts of different parts of herbal species such as thyme, licorice root, echinacea, ginger, African geranium, barberry, and acerola were found to be more effective other syrups.
