Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Autumn elaeagnus (Elaeagnus umbellata), also known as autumn olive, has a history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, for treating a range of ailments, including colds. Folk remedies have used parts of the plant—mainly fruits and leaves—for their purported health benefits, sometimes as teas or extracts. The rationale for these uses is largely based on the plant’s content of vitamins (notably vitamin C), polyphenols, and other antioxidants, which in traditional herbal medicine are believed to bolster the immune system and help the body recover from viral infections such as the common cold. However, there is very limited scientific research directly examining the antiviral properties of Elaeagnus umbellata or its efficacy against common cold viruses. While some laboratory studies have shown that extracts from related Elaeagnus species have modest antimicrobial or antioxidant effects, this evidence is indirect and does not specifically validate its use as an antiviral agent for colds in humans. Thus, its application for colds is primarily supported by tradition, with little clinical or experimental validation currently available.

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