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)

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Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
amentoflavone
anamu
Andrographis
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anthocyanins
apigenin
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Asam gelugor
ash
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Aureobasidium pullulans
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berry
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bishop\'s weed
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black cumin
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black galingale
black garlic
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Bombax
borneol
Broussonetia
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caffeic Acid
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capillary artemisia
carrageenan
carvacrol
cat's claw
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cinnamaldehyde
cinnamon
Cistus
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citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum trichotomum
clove
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commiphora
common madia
coriolus mushroom
costus
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deoxyandrographolides
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echinacea purpurea
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elderberry
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essential oil blend
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zanthoxylum
Zinc
Zingiberene

Products containing Sesquiterpenes

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