antiviral
2 interactions related to antiviral
elderberry + zinc
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) anthocyanins show antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity in lab and some clinical studies, and zinc lozenges have moderate evidence for shortening colds when started early. People often combine them at the first sign of a cold or flu. They act on different parts of the infection cycle, but no trial has tested the elderberry-plus-zinc combination itself, so any added benefit from stacking is extrapolated rather than proven. The realistic effect is shortening, not preventing, an upper-respiratory infection.
vitamin c + quercetin
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. As quercetin scavenges free radicals it becomes oxidized, and vitamin C can donate electrons to recycle it back to its active form, theoretically prolonging its effect and limiting prooxidant byproducts. This pairing is popular for immune and allergy support, but the human evidence is limited and largely mechanistic.