Evidence supporting the use of: Glycyrrhizinic acid
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glycyrrhizinic acid, a major bioactive compound in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has been traditionally used in several cultures for respiratory ailments, including coughs and colds. More recently, scientific research has explored its antiviral properties. In vitro studies have shown that glycyrrhizinic acid and its derivatives can inhibit the replication of several viruses, such as SARS-associated coronavirus, influenza A virus, and herpes simplex virus. The proposed mechanisms include interference with viral gene expression, modulation of immune responses, and inhibition of viral entry into cells.
However, robust clinical evidence in humans specifically for the common cold is limited. Most of the antiviral data comes from laboratory or animal studies, and few randomized controlled trials in humans have conclusively demonstrated efficacy against the viruses that typically cause the common cold (e.g., rhinoviruses, coronaviruses other than SARS, adenoviruses). Some preliminary studies suggest that glycyrrhizinic acid may reduce the severity or duration of viral infections, but the results are not consistent or strong enough to fully validate its use for colds.
In summary, the use of glycyrrhizinic acid as an antiviral agent has some scientific basis, especially in laboratory settings, but high-quality clinical evidence for its effectiveness in treating or supporting recovery from the common cold is weak. Therefore, the scientific support is moderate but not definitive.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
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
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
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
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Fruit
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Flavones
Goldthread
Glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
Garlic
Gallesia
Gallotannin
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Glycyrrhizin
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Glycyrrhizinic acid
Adrenal FatigueBronchitis
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Herpes
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores