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

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Synopsis

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

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a long history of traditional use for treating colds and related respiratory infections. This traditional use is supported by some scientific investigations, although the evidence is modest. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that garlic and its organosulfur compounds (such as allicin) possess antiviral and antimicrobial properties in vitro. Some of these compounds can inhibit various pathogens, including viruses responsible for the common cold.

A few small clinical trials have explored garlic’s efficacy in preventing or reducing the severity and duration of colds. A notable randomized controlled trial published in 2001 (Josling P., Advances in Therapy) found that participants taking a daily garlic supplement for 12 weeks experienced fewer colds and recovered faster than those on placebo. However, this study had a relatively small sample size and methodological limitations. Other studies have been inconclusive or failed to replicate these findings.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that while there is biological plausibility and some preliminary clinical evidence for garlic’s antiviral effects, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is limited. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm garlic’s effectiveness for preventing or treating the common cold. As it stands, garlic’s use for colds is supported both by tradition and some early scientific studies, but robust clinical validation remains lacking.

More about Garlic
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
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood

Products containing Garlic

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