Synopsis

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

Thiosulfinate compounds, notably allicin, are primarily found in garlic (Allium sativum) and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat colds and respiratory infections. The use of garlic for common cold symptoms is well-documented in various cultures, including traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, where garlic preparations have been recommended to help alleviate coughs, sore throats, and catarrh. The rationale behind this traditional use is due to the perceived antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of garlic and its active sulfur-containing constituents, including thiosulfinates.

Some modern in vitro studies have demonstrated that allicin and related thiosulfinates possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial, including antiviral, activity. These compounds can inhibit the growth of certain viruses and bacteria in laboratory settings. However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited and inconsistent. A few small randomized controlled trials have explored garlic supplementation for the prevention or treatment of the common cold, with some suggesting a modest reduction in the frequency of colds but not in their duration or severity. The overall quality of evidence is considered low due to methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and potential bias.

In summary, the use of thiosulfinates for colds is primarily justified by traditional practices, with some preliminary scientific support but insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to strongly endorse its antiviral efficacy in humans.

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