Tag: Antiviral

According to the National Institutes of Health, there is not enough evidence to definitively say whether garlic is effective at preventing or treating the common cold. However, this hasn't stopped people from wondering: can garlic powder prevent colds, or is it merely a flavorful culinary spice?

Derived from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Lingzhi, a review published in *Molecules* found that lucidenic acid possesses a range of potential pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties. These triterpenoids, while less studied than their counterparts, ganoderic acids, represent a significant area of emerging health research.

Over 90% of watermelon's weight is water, making it incredibly hydrating, but does this summer fruit offer more than just refreshment? The question, "is watermelon anti-viral?", reveals a nuanced answer rooted in the fruit's rich nutritional profile and emerging research on its wild relatives.

While elderberry is a popular supplement for respiratory illnesses like the flu, a 2020 review of studies noted that evidence on its antiviral effectiveness is still uncertain and requires more research. This same uncertainty applies to whether elderberry can prevent stomach bug infections, leaving many to wonder about its potential role in prevention and treatment.

With over 85% water and a low-calorie profile, blueberries pack a nutritional punch that has scientists exploring their potential antiviral benefits. Can these tiny berries really help fight off viruses and boost your body's natural defenses?

Recent research and a 2016 study on airline passengers found that those who used elderberry extract had shorter cold durations and less severe symptoms, though the infection rate was the same for both elderberry and placebo groups. This highlights a key distinction in the conversation: its effect on symptom management versus true prevention.

Recent meta-analyses have shown that taking oral zinc can help shorten the duration of the common cold, particularly when initiated early. The mineral is a vital micronutrient that plays a central role in strengthening the body's immune response, aiding cellular activities that fight off infections.

According to laboratory studies, extracts from Japanese knotweed have shown significant antiviral activity against a range of viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. This research explores whether Japanese knotweed is an antiviral and what science says about its potential health benefits.

For thousands of years, garlic has been used as a folk medicine for its purported health benefits, including fighting illness. However, the key question for many remains: does garlic actually help the immune system, or is it just a folk remedy?

Native Americans have historically utilized parts of the sweet gum tree, including the leaves, for various medicinal applications, such as treating wounds and digestive complaints. Modern research has begun to validate some of these traditional practices by identifying specific compounds in the leaves with promising therapeutic potential.