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

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Synopsis

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

Camellia sinensis, the plant from which green, black, and other traditional teas are derived, has been studied for its potential antiviral and immune-supportive effects, which may be relevant to the management or prevention of colds. The main bioactive compounds responsible are polyphenols, particularly catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Several laboratory studies have demonstrated that these compounds can inhibit the replication of a variety of viruses, including some responsible for respiratory infections. For example, EGCG has shown in vitro activity against influenza viruses and certain coronaviruses, although the direct evidence regarding rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold) is limited.

Human clinical evidence is modest but present. Some small studies and randomized controlled trials have reported that regular consumption of green tea or green tea extracts may reduce the incidence or severity of upper respiratory tract infections, potentially through a combination of direct antiviral effects and immune system modulation. However, these effects are generally modest and not universally confirmed across studies.

In conclusion, while there is scientific rationale and some supporting evidence for the use of Camellia sinensis in supporting the body's defenses against colds, the strength of clinical evidence is moderate at best. It is not a substitute for established preventive or therapeutic measures, but may offer ancillary benefits as part of a healthy lifestyle.

More about Camellia sinensis
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

allspice
aloe 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

Products containing Camellia sinensis

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.