Synopsis

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

Triterpenes are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, and they have been studied for a variety of pharmacological properties, including antiviral activity. There is some scientific evidence supporting the use of certain triterpenes (such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and glycyrrhizin from licorice) for their antiviral effects, which could be relevant for treating or supporting recovery from colds (primarily caused by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses). In vitro studies have demonstrated that triterpenes can inhibit the replication of several viruses by interfering with viral entry, replication, or assembly. For example, glycyrrhizin has shown activity against some respiratory viruses, and betulinic acid and its derivatives have been found to have broad antiviral properties in laboratory settings.

However, clinical evidence in humans specifically for the use of triterpenes to treat or prevent the common cold is limited. Most supporting data come from cell culture or animal studies, and there are very few well-conducted clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of triterpenes against cold viruses in humans. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some preclinical data suggesting antiviral potential, the evidence level is modest and does not strongly support routine use for colds at this time.

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