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

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Synopsis

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

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol in green tea, has attracted scientific interest for its potential antiviral properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated EGCG’s ability to inhibit the replication of various viruses, including influenza viruses and certain coronaviruses, by interfering with viral entry, membrane fusion, and viral RNA synthesis. Some research suggests that EGCG can bind to viral surface proteins, blocking their attachment to host cells. Additionally, EGCG exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help mitigate symptoms or severity of respiratory infections like the common cold.

However, while laboratory studies provide a mechanistic rationale, evidence in humans remains limited. Few clinical trials have directly assessed EGCG supplementation or green tea consumption for the prevention or treatment of the common cold. A small number of randomized controlled trials have shown modest reductions in cold and flu incidence among regular green tea drinkers, but these studies often use green tea extracts with multiple active components, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to EGCG. Overall, while there is promising preclinical data and some supportive epidemiological observations, direct and robust clinical evidence for EGCG as a treatment for the common cold is lacking. Thus, the scientific support for its antiviral use in colds is limited and rated as moderate to low.

More about EGCG
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
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Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
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AHCC
Andrographolide
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Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
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allyl isothiocyanate
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berry
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Camellia sinensis
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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
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Echinacea
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Products containing EGCG

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