Evidence supporting the use of: Shikimic Acid
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shikimic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in several plants, most notably in the star anise (Illicium verum). Its relevance to the treatment of colds stems from its use as a primary precursor in the industrial synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a well-known antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza. However, shikimic acid itself is not directly used as an antiviral in clinical practice. There is no direct evidence that shikimic acid, when consumed as part of a supplement or herbal remedy, has antiviral effects against the common cold or influenza viruses in humans. Most of the "antiviral" association comes from the fact that it is a starting material for making oseltamivir, not because it itself has antiviral activity. Some in vitro studies suggest that shikimic acid may have mild immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory effects, but these have not been conclusively shown to benefit or treat viral respiratory infections in humans. There is no robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for colds. Therefore, while the connection to antiviral drugs is scientifically valid in the context of pharmaceutical synthesis, the direct use of shikimic acid for cold treatment is not supported by substantial scientific evidence. The rating reflects the lack of direct clinical research and efficacy data.
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anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
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basil
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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
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licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
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spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
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zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
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zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
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indigo leaves
soursop
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AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
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allyl isothiocyanate
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Atractylone
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Caffeic Acid
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Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
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Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
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