Evidence supporting the use of: Mountain pepper (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mountain pepper, which may refer to Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian pepperberry) or similar species, has traditional use in Indigenous Australian medicine, including for ailments like colds and respiratory infections. The leaves and berries were used by Aboriginal people as both a spice and a medicinal ingredient, often in teas or poultices. The rationale for its use in colds was largely based on its pungent, warming qualities and presumed ability to "clear" the airways, rather than on direct evidence of antiviral activity.
Some laboratory studies have identified compounds in Tasmanian pepperberry, such as polygodial, with antimicrobial (including antibacterial and antifungal) properties. However, robust evidence for antiviral activity specifically against cold viruses (e.g., rhinovirus, coronavirus) is lacking. There are no published clinical trials or well-documented case studies showing efficacy for cold treatment or prevention in humans. Thus, while traditional practices exist, scientific validation is minimal and current evidence is insufficient to support its use for colds from a modern medical perspective.
Overall, Mountain pepper’s use for colds primarily relies on traditional knowledge with only limited indirect scientific support related to general antimicrobial activity, not specific antiviral effects.
More about Mountain pepper (unspecified)
More about Colds (antiviral)
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
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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 Mountain pepper (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever