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

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Synopsis

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

Various fungi, particularly medicinal mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (Maitake), have been used in traditional medicine systems (notably Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese Kampo) to support immune health and help the body resist infections like the common cold. These traditions date back centuries and often emphasize the use of mushrooms as "tonics" or "adaptogens" believed to enhance the body's resilience to illness. The rationale is typically based on their general immune-boosting properties rather than direct antiviral effects against cold viruses (e.g., rhinoviruses).

Modern scientific research provides some preliminary evidence that certain mushroom extracts can modulate immune responses—such as increasing activity of natural killer cells or modulating cytokine production—but robust, high-quality clinical trials specifically demonstrating efficacy against the common cold are lacking. Some in vitro studies suggest antiviral activity of polysaccharides or beta-glucans from mushrooms, but these have not translated into clear evidence for prevention or treatment of colds in humans. As such, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains limited and evidence is best described as promising but inconclusive.

More about Fungus (unspecified)
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

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aloe vera
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basil
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beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
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black garlic
blueberry
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catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
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clove
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echinacea purpurea
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forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
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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
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zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
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Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
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Cistus
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Products containing Fungus (unspecified)

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