Evidence supporting the use of: Tannins (mixed)
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tannins, a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found abundantly in many plants, have a long history of traditional use in various systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and indigenous folk practices for treating a range of ailments, including infections. Their astringent properties have led to applications in wound healing, diarrhea, and sometimes in the management of viral infections. The proposed mechanism for their antiviral effect is primarily attributed to their ability to precipitate proteins and inhibit the adhesion or replication of certain viruses. While laboratory (in vitro) studies have shown that some tannin-rich plant extracts can inhibit viruses such as influenza, herpes simplex, and hepatitis, clinical evidence in humans is very limited. Most of the supportive data derives from cell culture or animal models, not from robust human trials. Thus, while their use for viral infections is justified by tradition and has some biologically plausible mechanisms as shown in preclinical studies, there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to fully validate these uses. Therefore, the tradition-based use of mixed tannins for viral infections is rated as moderate (2/5) in terms of supporting evidence.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-Fucosyllactoseajoene
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
Brazillian peppertree
Bauhinia
Baicalin
Belamcanda
Coriolus mushroom
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
European Elder
Echinacea
Ivy
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Tannins (mixed)
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Itching
Poisoning (general)
Sore Throat
Strep Throat
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores