Evidence supporting the use of: Isoquinoline alkaloids
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

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

Isoquinoline alkaloids, a class of compounds found in various medicinal plants such as Berberis vulgaris (barberry) and Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread), have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. These alkaloids, including berberine and related compounds, are often used in multi-herbal formulations intended to "clear heat" and "detoxify," which, in TCM terminology, can correspond to symptoms like fever and infection seen in colds. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records describe their use for treating respiratory infections, fevers, and cold-like symptoms. However, while there is traditional rationale for their inclusion in remedies targeting colds with fever, modern scientific validation is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that certain isoquinoline alkaloids possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which might theoretically benefit infections, but there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically evaluating their efficacy for treating common colds or fever in humans. Thus, while their use is justified by tradition and supported by historical documentation, the direct scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for colds with fever remains weak, meriting an evidence rating of 2 out of 5.

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