Evidence supporting the use of: Isatis
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Isatis (primarily Isatis tinctoria and Isatis indigotica, known in Chinese medicine as Ban Lan Gen) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to support the immune system and treat viral infections, including colds and influenza. Its roots and leaves have long been incorporated into formulas aimed at "clearing heat and toxins," a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associated with treating febrile diseases and respiratory infections. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that extracts of Isatis possess antiviral activity against certain viruses, including influenza, but robust, high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Some small human studies and case reports suggest possible benefits, but the evidence is limited and results are not always consistent. As a result, while Isatis is widely used in TCM for colds and is supported by traditional use and preliminary laboratory findings, its efficacy for treating colds is not strongly validated by modern scientific research. The scientific evidence currently available is suggestive but not conclusive, and more rigorous clinical studies are needed to substantiate its effectiveness and safety for this indication.
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 Isatis
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Chills
Cholera
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Contagious Diseases
Cuts
Diphtheria
Eczema
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Fever
Gangrene
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Herpes