Evidence supporting the use of: Phenylpropanoids
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)

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Synopsis

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

Phenylpropanoids are a class of organic compounds that include several substances with pharmacological activity, such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and safrole, commonly found in essential oils. Among phenylpropanoids, pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are notable for their scientific use as decongestants in the treatment of colds. These compounds act as sympathomimetic agents, causing vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa, thereby reducing swelling and nasal congestion.

Numerous clinical studies and systematic reviews support the efficacy of pseudoephedrine and related compounds for short-term relief of nasal congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold [PMID: 21833194]. While these compounds are not always referred to by the broad term “phenylpropanoids” in clinical literature, their chemical structure places them in this class. The use of these substances is approved in many countries and is based on both pharmacological rationale and clinical data.

It should be noted that while other phenylpropanoids (such as those found in herbal remedies) may have traditional uses for respiratory symptoms, the strongest scientific evidence pertains specifically to pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. Overall, the use of phenylpropanoid decongestants for colds is scientifically validated, though primarily for certain well-defined compounds within this class.

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