Evidence supporting the use of: Alkaloid
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alkaloids are a broad class of naturally occurring organic compounds, many of which are found in medicinal plants used traditionally around the world. Some alkaloid-containing plants, such as Andrographis paniculata and certain species of Ephedra, have been used in traditional medicine systems (such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda) to alleviate symptoms of colds and other viral respiratory infections. The rationale has often centered on their perceived abilities to reduce symptoms like congestion, cough, and fever, rather than specifically targeting viruses. While there is some preclinical research suggesting that certain alkaloids possess antiviral activity in vitro, direct clinical evidence supporting the use of alkaloids as effective antiviral agents for the common cold in humans is limited. Most studies focus on isolated alkaloids or specific plant extracts in laboratory settings, and their findings have not consistently translated into clinical efficacy in treating viral colds. Thus, the use of alkaloid-containing plants for colds is primarily justified by traditional practice, with only modest scientific support for their antiviral effects. Overall, the evidence base is weak to moderate and does not currently support routine clinical use of alkaloids for colds as antiviral agents, but traditional use persists in various cultures.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by alkaloid
Abdominal PainAddictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Alzheimer's Disease
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever
Gout
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Hypotension
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome