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

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Synopsis

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

Sesquiterpenes are a diverse class of naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including ginger, chamomile, and eucalyptus. Their antiviral potential has been demonstrated in several in vitro studies, where certain sesquiterpenes (such as β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and farnesol) have shown activity against a variety of viruses, including respiratory viruses. Some essential oils rich in sesquiterpenes have demonstrated inhibitory effects on the replication of viruses like influenza, rhinovirus, and even herpes simplex in laboratory settings.

However, the clinical relevance of these findings for treating or supporting the common cold remains limited. Most evidence comes from cell culture experiments or animal models, with very few human clinical trials specifically investigating sesquiterpenes for cold or viral respiratory infections. The mechanisms proposed include interference with viral entry, replication, or assembly, as well as indirect effects through modulation of inflammation and immune response. While some herbal medicines containing sesquiterpenes have traditional uses for respiratory conditions, the direct attribution of antiviral effects specifically to sesquiterpenes is not well-established in clinical practice.

Overall, there is preliminary scientific evidence supporting the antiviral potential of sesquiterpenes, but robust clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the evidence rating is moderate to low for their use against colds, primarily based on lab-based research rather than strong clinical validation.

More about Sesquiterpenes
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
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allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
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Baphicacanthus cusia
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Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
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Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
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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
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Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
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Products containing Sesquiterpenes

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