Evidence supporting the use of: Flavanoid (mixture)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Flavonoids are a broad group of plant-derived compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and other foods. Their use to support or treat colds is primarily grounded in traditional and historical practices, particularly in herbal medicine systems. Various cultures have used flavonoid-rich plants, such as elderberry, citrus fruits, and green tea, for centuries to alleviate symptoms of respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. The rationale behind their use is based on their proposed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild antiviral properties, as observed in laboratory studies.
From a scientific standpoint, some studies have investigated specific flavonoids (such as quercetin and catechins) for their potential antiviral and immune-modulating effects. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally find only modest effects, with some studies indicating a slight reduction in cold symptom duration or severity, while others show no significant benefit. Importantly, most research examines isolated flavonoids or specific extracts, not general "flavonoid mixtures." Overall, the use of flavonoid mixtures for colds is not strongly supported by high-quality scientific evidence, but rather by traditional use and preliminary in vitro or animal data.
In summary, while flavonoid mixtures are traditionally used to support immune health and alleviate cold symptoms, scientific validation for their efficacy as antiviral agents in the context of the common cold remains limited.
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 Flavanoid (mixture)
Abdominal PainAllergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Bleeding (external)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Capillary Weakness
Cardiovascular Disease
Cataracts
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)