Evidence supporting the use of: Catechins
For the health condition: Influenza
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea, have been investigated for their potential role in supporting or treating influenza. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that catechins possess antiviral properties, including inhibition of influenza virus replication and interference with the virus's ability to attach to host cells. These effects are thought to be due to catechins' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions as well as direct interaction with viral particles.
Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that EGCG can reduce viral infectivity and decrease influenza severity. Small human clinical trials also suggest some benefit; for example, Japanese studies have reported that regular green tea consumption or catechin supplementation may reduce the incidence of influenza infection in schoolchildren and healthcare workers. However, these trials are limited in size, and their methodologies have sometimes been questioned.
Despite these promising findings, there is not yet enough robust clinical evidence to recommend catechins as a primary treatment or prevention strategy for influenza. Most health authorities still rely on vaccination and antiviral medications as the mainstays of influenza management. Thus, while there is scientific interest and some early evidence supporting catechins, the current body of evidence rates as modest (score 2/5), and further larger, well-designed clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.
Other ingredients used for Influenza
green chirettaastragalus
myrobalan
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black garlic
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
camu camu
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
greek mountain tea
green tea
honeysuckle
l-cysteine
lactobacillus casei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
monolaurin
nettle
quercetin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
vitamin C
vitamin D
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
boneset
tangerine
alpinia galangal
myrrh
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
flowering quince
ganoderma
anemarrhena asphodeloides
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
algae
Avens
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
Alliin
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Balsam
Basidiomycota
Borage
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Balloon Flower
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coriolus mushroom
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Cineole
Centipeda
Cistus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Currant
Chondrus
Ephedra
European Elder
Elk antler
Echinacea
Elder
Euphorbia
Embelia
Little ironweed
Other health conditions supported by catechins
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Triglycerides (high)