How does zicam work?

Failed Smell Test: Zicam (zinc gluconate; matrixx initiatives, inc) was originally introduced as a homeopathic remedy for the common cold. In 2009, the fda ordered zicam's manufacturer, matrixx initiatives of scottsdale, ariz., to stop selling all topical products because it damages users' sense of smell. (lim et a. Zicam-induced damage to mouse and human nasal tissue, plos one. 2009 oct 30;4(10):e7647.).

Zicam: Zicam is a series of products marketed for cold and allergy relief whose original formulations included the element zinc. It is marketed as an "unapproved homeopathic" product. It supposedly acts through a receptor known as icam-1.