Evidence supporting the use of: N-Acetyl Cysteine
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

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

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) has some scientific evidence supporting its use as an adjunctive therapy in influenza, although it is not a mainstream or primary treatment. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant. During influenza infection, oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to tissue damage and disease severity. By replenishing glutathione levels and acting as an antioxidant, NAC may help mitigate these effects. A notable double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the European Respiratory Journal (1997) evaluated 262 elderly subjects given 600 mg NAC twice daily for six months during the winter influenza season. While the incidence of symptomatic influenza-like episodes was significantly lower in the NAC group (29%) compared to placebo (51%), the rate of seroconversion (actual infection) was similar, suggesting NAC reduced the severity rather than prevented infection. The study also reported that only 25% of virus-infected subjects in the NAC group developed symptoms, versus 79% in the placebo group. Additional in vitro and animal studies have shown that NAC can inhibit viral replication and reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with severe influenza. However, large-scale human clinical data remain limited, and NAC is not a replacement for antiviral medications or vaccination. In summary, while NAC is not a standard treatment for influenza, moderate scientific evidence supports its use as a supportive agent to reduce symptom severity and complications, particularly in high-risk populations.

More about N-Acetyl Cysteine
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
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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
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Agarikon Mushroom
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Anamarrhena
Acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
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Astragaloside
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
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Asarum sieboldii
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Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Balsam
Basidiomycota
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Baicalin
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coconut oil
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Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
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Centipeda
Cistus
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Currant
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Ephedra
European Elder
Elk antler
Echinacea
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Euphorbia
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Immunoglobulin G
iridoids
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Microtea debilis
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Platycodon
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Products containing N-Acetyl Cysteine

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