Evidence supporting the use of: Alkylglycerols
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alkylglycerols (AKGs), naturally occurring ether lipids found in high concentrations in shark liver oil and human bone marrow, have been studied for their potential immunomodulatory effects, including possible antiviral properties. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest AKGs can stimulate immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, and enhance antibody production. Historically, AKGs gained attention in the mid-20th century when Swedish researchers reported improved outcomes in infection-prone children and adults supplemented with shark liver oil, which is rich in AKGs. However, these early studies were small and lacked rigorous controls.
More recent research has explored AKGs' effects on immune response and viral infections, but high-quality clinical trials in humans remain limited. A few small clinical studies have suggested a reduction in the frequency or severity of respiratory infections in individuals taking AKG supplements, but methodological limitations and inconsistent results prevent definitive conclusions. There is some laboratory evidence suggesting AKGs may interfere with viral replication or enhance host defenses, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice.
In summary, while there is preliminary scientific rationale and limited clinical data suggesting that alkylglycerols may support immune function and potentially help in viral infections, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low. Larger, well-controlled human studies are necessary before AKGs can be recommended for this purpose with confidence.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
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alpha-pinene
arabinogalactan
barberry
myrobalan
berberine
Beta-Glucan
betel
black cumin
burdock
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
iodine
honeysuckle
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus paracasei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
xylitol
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
boneset
pistacia integerrima gall
swertia
pau d'arco
yerba santa
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
geranium
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Agave
Anamu
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Artepillin C
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Betulinic acid
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bauhinia
Baicalin
Belamcanda
Coriolus mushroom
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
European Elder
Echinacea
Fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fernbush
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Graviola
Galangin
Gallesia
Golden Shower Tree
Hypericin
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Immunoglobulin G
Ivy
Java Brucea
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Lentinan
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lichen
Lapachol
Liverwort
Labdanum
Mountain horopito
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Mangostin
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Naphthoquinones
Phellodendron
Premna
Phragmites
Polysaccharides
Phlorotannins
Pelargonium
Piper retrofractum
Quebracho
Rhabdosia rubescens
Ravinsara
Shikonin
Sanguisorba
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Smoketree
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Trametes
Thiosulfinate
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
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Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
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Other health conditions supported by Alkylglycerols
Cancer (natural therapy for)Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Infection
Infection (viral)
Radiation Sickness
Wounds and Sores