Synopsis

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

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of colds and febrile illnesses, often as part of the classic formula Yin Qiao San. Its traditional use is based on the belief that honeysuckle “clears heat” and resolves toxicity, which aligns with the ancient understanding of treating infectious symptoms. In recent years, scientific research has provided some support for its antiviral properties. Laboratory studies have identified several bioactive compounds in honeysuckle, such as chlorogenic acid and luteolin, which display antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Notably, animal studies and cell culture experiments have shown that honeysuckle extracts can inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited; the majority of evidence comes from preclinical studies or clinical trials conducted as part of multi-herb formulas rather than honeysuckle alone. As such, while there is a scientific basis to justify its traditional use, the strength of direct human evidence is relatively modest. Therefore, honeysuckle’s use for colds can be considered as having both traditional backing and preliminary scientific support, but further high-quality clinical trials are required to confirm its efficacy as a standalone antiviral treatment for colds.

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