Evidence supporting the use of: Cluster Fig
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cluster Fig (Ficus racemosa), also known as the Indian Fig Tree, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and Unani. In these traditions, various parts of the plant—such as the bark, leaves, fruits, and latex—are used to treat respiratory ailments, including colds and coughs. The rationale for its use is often based on its perceived ability to reduce inflammation and support immune function, though these properties are described in traditional rather than scientific terms.
From a scientific perspective, a limited number of studies have investigated the antimicrobial or antiviral activity of Ficus racemosa extracts. Some in vitro research suggests the plant contains bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, which may have general antimicrobial effects. However, direct evidence for antiviral activity against cold-causing viruses (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses) is lacking. No clinical trials have been conducted to establish efficacy in humans for the treatment or prevention of colds.
Overall, the use of Cluster Fig for colds is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with only weak scientific support based on preliminary lab studies. The evidence rating reflects the absence of robust clinical or pharmacological validation for this specific use.
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 Cluster Fig
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Blood Poisoning
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cramps and Spasms
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)