Evidence supporting the use of: Goldthread
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Goldthread (Coptis chinensis), also known as Chinese goldthread or Huang Lian, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments, including colds and other infections. The primary active compound in Goldthread is berberine, which has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral activity in laboratory studies. However, most of the historical use for colds is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is considered to "clear heat" and "dry dampness," terms that do not directly correspond to Western biomedical concepts. Goldthread is often included in herbal formulas intended for respiratory infections, sore throat, and fever. Scientific studies have examined berberine’s activity against certain viruses in cell cultures, but clinical trials in humans specifically for the treatment or prevention of the common cold are lacking or of low quality. Most available evidence is based on in vitro or animal studies rather than well-controlled human trials. Therefore, while there is a plausible biochemical rationale and a long history of traditional use, current scientific evidence supporting Goldthread’s effectiveness against the common cold is limited. Its use remains primarily justified by traditional practices rather than robust clinical validation.
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
Hedyotis
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Goldthread
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores