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

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Synopsis

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

Catechins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found primarily in green tea, have been studied for their antiviral properties, including potential effects against cold viruses. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can inhibit the replication of various viruses, including influenza and some coronaviruses. Clinical trials are limited, but a few small human studies suggest that green tea catechin supplementation may reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. For example, a randomized controlled trial in healthcare workers found that those who consumed catechin capsules had a lower rate of influenza infection compared to placebo. Another study in healthy adults showed a trend toward fewer colds with green tea extract supplementation, though results did not always reach statistical significance.

Despite these promising findings, the evidence is not robust. Most studies have small sample sizes, and there is a lack of large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically targeting the common cold. The antiviral mechanisms proposed include inhibition of viral entry and replication, as well as enhancement of host immune responses. In traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia, green tea has been used for general health and as a remedy for infections, but its use specifically for colds is not a major traditional practice. Overall, while there is some scientific support for the antiviral benefits of catechins, the evidence base is still limited, warranting a moderate rating.

More about Catechins (unspecified)
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
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Garlic
Galangal
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Products containing Catechins (unspecified)

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