Evidence supporting the use of: Belleric myrobalan
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Belleric myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica), also known as "Bibhitaki," has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, particularly as part of the classic formulation "Triphala," for treating respiratory ailments including colds. Traditional texts describe its use as an expectorant, cough suppressant, and general remedy for respiratory tract infections. The fruit is believed to balance the kapha dosha and is often recommended for managing symptoms such as cough, congestion, and sore throat associated with colds.
Modern scientific evidence directly supporting Belleric myrobalan's antiviral effects against common cold viruses (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses) is limited. Some in vitro studies and animal research have demonstrated that extracts of the fruit possess antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and mild antiviral properties, but these are not specific to cold viruses and often involve isolated compounds or high concentrations not reflective of typical human use. There are also studies indicating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may theoretically help with cold symptoms, but clinical trials in humans specifically addressing colds are lacking.
In summary, while there is a strong traditional basis for using Belleric myrobalan for colds, scientific validation is currently preliminary and indirect rather than robust or disease-specific.
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 Belleric myrobalan
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Blood in Stool
Blood in Urine
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Dandruff
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids