Evidence supporting the use of: Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cysteine compounds, particularly N-acetylcysteine (NAC), have some scientific evidence supporting their use as adjuncts in the management of influenza. NAC is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and possesses mucolytic properties. Several studies have explored its potential benefits in viral respiratory infections, including influenza. A notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the European Respiratory Journal (1997) investigated NAC supplementation (600 mg twice daily) in elderly subjects during the winter season. Results showed a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of influenza-like episodes and a decrease in the duration and intensity of symptoms in those receiving NAC, despite similar rates of infection between groups. The proposed mechanisms include NAC's antioxidant effects and its role in modulating the immune response, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by the influenza virus.

However, while these results are promising, the overall body of evidence is limited, with few large-scale clinical trials specifically targeting influenza. Most supporting studies use NAC rather than generic "cysteine compounds," and evidence is stronger for prevention or symptom attenuation rather than as a curative treatment. As such, while there is some scientific validation for the use of NAC (a cysteine compound) to support influenza management, more robust and large-scale studies are needed to firmly establish its efficacy and optimal use. Other cysteine compounds are less studied for this indication.

More about Cysteine compounds (unspecified)
More about Influenza

Other ingredients used for Influenza

green chiretta
astragalus
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
Alstonia 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
fat liver oil
flavanones
frankincense
flavones
Glehnia littoralis
Guaco
Gallesia
Glycyrrhizin
Hyperoside
Houttuynia
honey loquat syrup
Immunoglobulin G
iridoids
Lycium
Ledebouriella
Lomatium
lichen
Lycopodium
labrador tea
little ironweed
liverwort
Meadow sage
Microtea debilis
Neoandrographolides
Onosma bracteatum
Osthole
Premna
Platycodon
Pelargonium
Pentatropis capensis
Polygonatum
Polygonum
ravinsara
Sweet Annie
Salvia
Sambucus nigra
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Sweet Bay
Sundew
Tremella
Umckaloabo
Visnea Mocanera
Vasicine
Xanthophyll
Zingerone

Products containing Cysteine compounds (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.