Evidence supporting the use of: Epigallocatechin
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Epigallocatechin, particularly in the form of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is a major polyphenol found in green tea. Several laboratory (in vitro) and animal studies have demonstrated that EGCG exhibits antiviral activity against the influenza virus. This is thought to occur through multiple mechanisms, including direct inhibition of viral entry and replication, as well as modulation of host immune responses. Specifically, EGCG has been shown to bind to hemagglutinin on the surface of influenza viruses, blocking their ability to attach to and infect host cells. Additionally, EGCG may interfere with the acidification of endosomes, a step necessary for viral uncoating.

However, the evidence in humans is limited. A small number of clinical studies have investigated green tea extracts or catechins in the prevention of influenza, with some showing modest reductions in incidence or severity. For example, a randomized controlled trial in healthcare workers suggested that green tea catechin supplementation reduced influenza infection rates. Nonetheless, these studies are few and often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes or lack of blinding. No major medical guidelines currently recommend epigallocatechin or green tea extracts for the treatment or prevention of influenza.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and promising preclinical evidence, the clinical evidence supporting the use of epigallocatechin for influenza remains preliminary. More rigorous human trials are needed to determine its efficacy and safety for this purpose.

More about Epigallocatechin
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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
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
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 Epigallocatechin

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