Evidence supporting the use of: Allicin
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

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

Allicin, a sulfur-containing compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum), has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of colds. More recently, scientific research has begun to investigate its efficacy. Several laboratory studies demonstrate that allicin exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which could theoretically reduce susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. A well-cited randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Josling, 2001) found that participants who took an allicin-containing garlic supplement for 12 weeks had significantly fewer colds and recovered more quickly than those taking a placebo. However, the number of high-quality clinical trials is limited, and subsequent studies have produced mixed results. The existing evidence suggests a potential modest benefit for cold prevention, but methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and the variability of allicin content in supplements limit the strength of conclusions. Major scientific reviews (e.g., Cochrane Reviews) characterize the evidence as low to moderate quality and emphasize the need for larger, well-conducted studies. While scientific validation exists, it is not robust, and garlic/allicin should not be considered a definitive or sole preventive measure for colds. Instead, it may be considered as a possible adjunct to standard preventive strategies.

More about Allicin
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Abrus
Acacia
Agastache
Ajuga
Algae
Allicin
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Allspice
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpinia galangal
American Liverleaf
Amomum
Amor seco
Andrographis
andrographolide
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Aralia
Arani
Ardisia
Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
aster root
Asteraceae
astragalus
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
Baikal Skullcap
balsam
bamboo
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
bee products
bermuda grass
berry
beta-glucan
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Bidens pilosa
bioflavonoids
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black cumin
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black galingale
black nightshade
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black salt
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black tea
blackberry
blackboard tree
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Blepharis
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bасора
Camellia sinensis
camu camu
capillary artemisia
capsaicin
capsaicinoids
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Celosia
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
Chinese silkvine
chlorella
Chlorophytum
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cinnamaldehyde
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fruit
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Products containing Allicin

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