Synopsis

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

Shogaol is a bioactive compound found in ginger (Zingiber officinale), especially in dried or cooked forms. Its use to support or treat colds (with fever) is rooted primarily in traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In these traditions, ginger — and by extension, its pungent constituents like shogaol — has been used for centuries to promote sweating, "dispel cold," and alleviate symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections, including fever, cough, and congestion. The rationale is based on ginger’s warming properties and its role as a diaphoretic (inducing perspiration), which is believed to help manage fever and clear pathogens from the body.

While preclinical studies show that shogaol possesses anti-inflammatory and some antiviral properties, direct clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for treating colds with fever is limited. Most scientific studies have been conducted on whole ginger or ginger extracts rather than isolated shogaol, and results are generally preliminary. Therefore, the strength of the evidence remains moderate from a traditional standpoint and weak from a modern clinical perspective. In summary, while the use of shogaol for colds with fever is supported by longstanding traditional practices, scientific validation is lacking and clinical recommendations cannot be made based on current evidence.

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