Evidence supporting the use of: Asteraceae
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

The use of plants from the Asteraceae family (which includes species such as Echinacea, chamomile, and others) for treating or supporting recovery from colds has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe and North America. Echinacea, in particular, is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies for the common cold and is traditionally believed to possess antiviral and immune-boosting properties. Preparations made from roots or aerial parts of Echinacea species have been used by Native American tribes and later adopted in Western herbalism.

Scientific studies investigating the antiviral efficacy of Asteraceae plants, especially Echinacea, have yielded mixed results. Some in vitro and clinical studies suggest that certain extracts may reduce the duration or severity of cold symptoms, possibly through immunomodulatory effects rather than direct antiviral activity. However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that the evidence is inconsistent and of low to moderate quality, with significant variability in products, preparations, and study design. Other Asteraceae family members have less robust evidence for antiviral activity against cold viruses.

Overall, while there is substantial traditional use of Asteraceae plants for colds, particularly for Echinacea, scientific validation for broad antiviral efficacy remains limited and inconclusive. Thus, the practice is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate but not strong supporting evidence.

More about Asteraceae
More about Colds (antiviral)

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alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
amentoflavone
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baicalin
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bee hive
bee products
bee propolis
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bilberry
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black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black garlic
black nightshade
black seed
blueberry
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borneol
Broussonetia
buckthorn
caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
capillary artemisia
carrageenan
carvacrol
cat's claw
catechins
Celosia
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese raisintree
Chondrus
chrysanthemum
cinnamaldehyde
cinnamon
Cistus
citron
Citrus
citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum trichotomum
clove
coconut
commiphora
common madia
coriolus mushroom
costus
cowherb
curry leaf
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epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
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flavones
flavonoids
flavonones
forsythia
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fulvic acid
fungus
Galangal
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gallotannin
gamma-terpinene
ganoderma
garlic
garlic bulb
ginger
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
goji berry
goldthread
green tea
Hedyotis
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honey
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honeysuckle
Houttuynia
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Lactoferrin
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lauric acid
lemon
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lichen
licorice root
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Lomatium
luffa
luteolin
mangostin
Mastic gum
Melia
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Monolaurin
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resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
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saponins
schizonepeta
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Shogaol
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Sophora
soursop
spirulina
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Tamaricaceae
Tayuya
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Thiosulfinate
thyme
Thymus
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Verbascoside
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Products containing Asteraceae

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