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

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Synopsis

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

Cowherb (Vaccaria segetalis, also known as Wang Bu Liu Xing in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine, primarily for promoting circulation, lactation, and resolving swellings. Its use for colds and antiviral purposes is based mainly on traditional herbal practices rather than modern scientific evidence. In some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, cowherb seeds are included as minor ingredients, often in combination with other herbs purported to "release the exterior" or treat symptoms related to respiratory infections such as colds. The rationale is rooted in TCM principles rather than direct antiviral effects observed in controlled studies.

There is a lack of robust scientific research specifically evaluating cowherb’s antiviral properties or its efficacy in treating colds. Some in vitro studies suggest that saponins from Vaccaria segetalis may have bioactive properties, but these findings are preliminary and do not directly translate to clinical effectiveness for viral infections in humans. Therefore, while its use for colds is justified by tradition, the evidence supporting actual antiviral activity or clinical benefit for this indication is limited.

In summary, the use of cowherb for colds is primarily supported by traditional usage and not by modern scientific validation. Individuals seeking evidence-based treatments for colds should consider this when evaluating herbal remedies containing cowherb.

More about Cowherb
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
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Products containing Cowherb

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