Evidence supporting the use of: Larch arabinogalactan
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Larch arabinogalactan is a polysaccharide fiber derived from the wood of the larch tree (Larix species). It is sometimes used as a dietary supplement with claims of supporting immune health and preventing common colds. The scientific rationale for its use is based on preliminary research suggesting that arabinogalactan may enhance certain aspects of immune function, such as increasing the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages, and modulating cytokine production. Several small clinical studies have investigated its effects on the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), including the common cold. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in "Current Medical Research and Opinion" (2004) found that subjects taking larch arabinogalactan had a modest reduction in the incidence of colds compared to placebo. Another study in "Nutrition Journal" (2010) reported a decreased incidence of cold episodes among healthy adults supplementing with arabinogalactan.
However, the evidence remains limited in scale and quality, with studies generally involving small sample sizes and variable endpoints. Systematic reviews note that while there is some indication of benefit, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is insufficient to make strong recommendations. As such, the use of larch arabinogalactan for cold prevention is backed by early-stage scientific evidence, but more large-scale, well-controlled trials are needed to establish its efficacy definitively.
More about Larch arabinogalactan
More about Colds (prevention)
Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Larch arabinogalactan
Colds (antiviral)Colds (prevention)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation