Evidence supporting the use of: Galangal
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

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

Galangal, which refers to several species in the Alpinia and Kaempferia genera (most commonly Alpinia galanga and Kaempferia galanga), has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Southeast Asian folk medicine. In these traditions, galangal is frequently used as a remedy for respiratory ailments, including colds and coughs. It is believed to act as a warming agent, expectorant, and tonic for the lungs.

Scientific research on galangal’s antiviral effects, especially regarding the common cold (typically caused by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses), is limited. Some in vitro studies have reported that extracts from galangal species exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiviral activity, but most research focuses on other viruses (such as influenza or herpes simplex virus) rather than the specific pathogens that cause the common cold. While a few studies have identified compounds in galangal (such as 1'-acetoxychavicol acetate) with potential antiviral properties, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to confirm its efficacy against cold viruses in humans.

In summary, the use of galangal for colds is grounded primarily in traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation. Existing scientific evidence is preliminary and does not robustly support its use for this specific condition.

More about Galangal
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

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anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
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basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
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cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
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lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
Mastic gum
Monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic compounds
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
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hyssop
papaya
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commiphora
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chrysanthemum
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zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
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alpha-terpineol
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AHCC
andrographolide
amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
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Asteraceae
Allyl sulfide
Allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
atractylone
bee propolis
black seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
balsam
bishop\'s weed
black galingale
bitter grass
bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
bee products
black nightshade
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baicalin
Bassia scoparia
borneol
caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
coconut
curry leaf
Chinese mountain ant
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coriolus mushroom
carrageenan
carvacrol
capillary artemisia
citron
Citrus
Chinese raisintree
cowherb
Cistus
common madia
cinnamaldehyde
costus
Celosia
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deoxyandrographolides
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essential oil blend
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flavonoids
fungus
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Products containing Galangal

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.