Evidence supporting the use of: Isothiocyanate
For the health condition: Congestion (bronchial)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Isothiocyanates are a group of sulfur-containing compounds found naturally in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and mustard. Their use in supporting or treating bronchial congestion is primarily supported by some scientific evidence, although it is not robust or conclusive. Isothiocyanates, particularly allyl isothiocyanate and sulforaphane, have demonstrated mucolytic (mucus-thinning) and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory and limited clinical studies. These compounds may stimulate the production of phase II detoxification enzymes and promote the clearance of respiratory secretions, which could be beneficial in conditions characterized by increased bronchial mucus, such as congestion.
Historically, mustard oil (which contains allyl isothiocyanate) has been used as a traditional remedy to relieve chest congestion through topical application or inhalation. However, most of the current understanding comes from in vitro and animal studies. For example, isothiocyanates have shown the ability to modulate inflammatory pathways and reduce the viscosity of mucus secretions. Some human studies suggest that consuming cruciferous vegetables may benefit respiratory health, but direct clinical trials using isolated isothiocyanates for bronchial congestion are limited.
Overall, while there is a plausible scientific basis for the use of isothiocyanates in supporting bronchial congestion, the evidence is moderate and more research is needed to confirm efficacy and determine appropriate usage. The rating reflects limited but promising data.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (bronchial)
AllspiceAloe vera
alpha-pinene
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ethanol
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
Szechuan lovage
buckthorn
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
Abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
soursop
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Adrenergic amines
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black spruce
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Curcuma
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Fang-Feng
Fat liver oil
Fernbush
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Guaco
Gallesia
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Heartsease
Honey
Heal-All
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
Helicteres isora
Horsemint
iridoids
Isatis
Long Pepper
Ivy
Jungli-bean
Khella
Ledebouriella
Litsea
Lomatium
Lichen
Laggera pterodonta
Limonene
Labrador Tea
Ligusticum
Linalool
Lewis's monkey flower
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Monoterpenes
Methylxanthine
Meadow sage
Mucolase
Neoandrographolides
Nigella Seed
Nutmeg
Ophiopogon
Oroxylum indicum
Osha
Orris
Phellodendron
Pinellia Ternata
Pluchea
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Platycodon
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Peucedanum
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Polygonum
Rubiaceae
Ravinsara
Reed Herb
Sichuan Lovage
Sophora
Scoparia dulcis
Smartweed
Sesquiterpenes
Sweet Annie
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Sagebrush
Sinigrin
Sandalwood
Stereospermum
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sweet Bay
Sundew
Servicetree
Thymus
Tamaricaceae
Terpinolene
Vervain
Visnea Mocanera
Vasicine
Violet
Viola
Vladimiria souliei
Vasicinone
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingiberene
Zedoary
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Isothiocyanate
Abdominal PainAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis