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

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Synopsis

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

Saponins are a class of naturally occurring glycosides found in many plants, including licorice, ginseng, and quinoa. Their use to support or treat colds is primarily based on traditional medicine practices, especially in Asian and indigenous pharmacopoeias. Saponin-rich plants like licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and ginseng (Panax ginseng) have been used in traditional remedies for respiratory ailments, including colds, due to their expectorant and purported immune-boosting properties. Some in vitro studies suggest that saponins can disrupt viral envelopes and possess immunomodulatory effects, providing a potential mechanistic basis for their traditional use. However, direct clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of saponins specifically for treating or preventing the common cold in humans is limited. Most available scientific studies have focused on isolated antiviral activities in laboratory settings or animal models, not in clinical trials for cold viruses (such as rhinovirus or coronavirus). Therefore, while there is a long history of saponin-containing botanicals being used for cold symptoms, this use is supported more by traditional practice and preliminary research than by robust scientific validation. Further well-designed human studies are needed to clarify the actual antiviral efficacy of saponins against cold viruses.

More about saponins
More about Colds (antiviral)

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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
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citrus bioflavonoids
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garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
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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
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alpinia galangal
commiphora
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morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
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zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
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Clerodendrum trichotomum
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Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
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Products containing saponins

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