Evidence supporting the use of: Shikimic Acid
For the health condition: Influenza
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Shikimic acid is scientifically significant in the context of influenza treatment, but not as a direct therapeutic agent. Instead, its primary importance lies in its role as a precursor for the synthesis of the antiviral drug oseltamivir (commercially known as Tamiflu). Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor widely used for both the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B infections. Shikimic acid itself does not possess direct antiviral properties against influenza viruses, but it is extracted from natural sources (notably star anise) and chemically converted into oseltamivir in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
The evidence supporting the use of shikimic acid in influenza is therefore indirect but robust, since oseltamivir has been extensively studied and is recommended by health authorities worldwide for influenza management. However, it is important to emphasize that the use of shikimic acid in traditional herbal medicine for influenza is not well documented, nor is there evidence suggesting that consuming shikimic acid alone (e.g., via star anise tea) provides any clinically meaningful antiviral effect. The scientific validation pertains only to its value as a raw material in drug synthesis, not as a stand-alone remedy.
In summary, shikimic acid is crucial to influenza therapy, but only as a precursor to a scientifically validated antiviral drug. The evidence rating reflects the strong clinical data for oseltamivir, not for shikimic acid as a direct therapeutic agent.
Other ingredients used for Influenza
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