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

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Synopsis

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

Naphthoquinones are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in various plants, including Lapacho (Tabebuia avellanedae) and black walnut. Their use in the context of treating or supporting colds is primarily based on traditional medicine systems, notably South American herbal medicine, where extracts containing naphthoquinones such as lapachol and beta-lapachone have been used for ailments believed to be caused by infections. The traditional rationale is their purported antimicrobial and antiviral activities, which have been observed in some laboratory studies.

In terms of scientific evidence, naphthoquinones do exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties in vitro, with some studies demonstrating inhibition of viral replication in cell cultures. However, these studies are preliminary and have not translated into robust clinical evidence or human trials specifically targeting the common cold, which is most frequently caused by rhinoviruses and other non-enveloped viruses. No high-quality clinical trials have validated the efficacy or safety of naphthoquinones for colds. As a result, mainstream medicine does not recognize naphthoquinones as an evidence-based treatment for colds, and their use remains rooted in traditional practices with only limited scientific support.

In summary, while there is a historical basis for their use and some laboratory data suggesting antiviral potential, there is insufficient clinical evidence to justify naphthoquinones as a reliable or effective treatment for colds.

More about Naphthoquinones
More about Colds (antiviral)

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Products containing Naphthoquinones

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