Last update
4/10/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 9 Researches
7.4
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 VegCaps
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
1,235 mg
1,372%
Quercetin
465 mg
*
Bromelain (Supplying 90 MCU)
50 mg
*
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
We examined how megadose Vitamin C affects cold and flu symptoms in a controlled study with students.
In this research, 252 students received hourly doses of 1000 mg mostly at the onset of symptoms, while 463 students served as a control group, treated with standard pain relievers.
Despite some positive outcomes observed, the study results indicate that Vitamin C did not significantly affect the prevention or relief of these symptoms overall, raising questions about its effectiveness in combatting the flu.
In this research, 252 students received hourly doses of 1000 mg mostly at the onset of symptoms, while 463 students served as a control group, treated with standard pain relievers.
Despite some positive outcomes observed, the study results indicate that Vitamin C did not significantly affect the prevention or relief of these symptoms overall, raising questions about its effectiveness in combatting the flu.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
No flu experiences
1 people found this helpful
Never had a cold or flu. My doctor recommended these years ago. I have allergies to trees, grass, and ragweed. I stopped my injections and started taking these supplements. I've been using them for over 35 years, and I've never experienced a cold or flu. As a senior citizen, I find them invaluable.
Read More
7.5
Supports immune health
Great product! A quality offering at a reasonable price! This has been helping me with allergies and keeping my immune system strong during cold and flu season. The ingredients are clean with no unnecessary additives.
Read More
7.5
Boosts respiratory health
Taking Solaray Quercetin Bromelain & Vitamin C for immunity health has been beneficial. The quality, ingredients, and potency in easy-to-swallow capsules greatly aid those with low immunity and sinuses. It has improved my respiratory performance, reduced inflammation, and helped expedite recovery from the common flu and cough.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 9 Researches
7.4
- All Researches
9
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
8
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
We explored the effectiveness of various drugs on swine flu, focusing on the role of vitamin C. Using advanced modeling techniques, we assessed how well vitamin C interacts with key proteins of the H1N1 virus. The results show that vitamin C forms strong bonds with the virus proteins, suggesting it may be a beneficial treatment option. Other remedies were also tested but didn’t show the same level of interaction. This points to vitamin C as a potential player in fighting H1N1 infections.
Read More
8
We explored the effect of high-dose vitamin C on blood flow reactivity during inflammation. In a study with 36 men, we utilized a placebo-controlled design to administer endotoxin, which triggered flu-like symptoms and decreased vitamin C levels. Following this, we tested how vitamin C improved blood flow responses.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C significantly restored blood flow responses in the forearm after endotoxin administration. This breakthrough suggests potential benefits of vitamin C during inflammatory episodes, inviting further clinical research.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C significantly restored blood flow responses in the forearm after endotoxin administration. This breakthrough suggests potential benefits of vitamin C during inflammatory episodes, inviting further clinical research.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
No flu experiences
1 people found this helpful
Never had a cold or flu. My doctor recommended these years ago. I have allergies to trees, grass, and ragweed. I stopped my injections and started taking these supplements. I've been using them for over 35 years, and I've never experienced a cold or flu. As a senior citizen, I find them invaluable.
Read More
7.5
Supports immune health
Great product! A quality offering at a reasonable price! This has been helping me with allergies and keeping my immune system strong during cold and flu season. The ingredients are clean with no unnecessary additives.
Read More
7.5
Boosts respiratory health
Taking Solaray Quercetin Bromelain & Vitamin C for immunity health has been beneficial. The quality, ingredients, and potency in easy-to-swallow capsules greatly aid those with low immunity and sinuses. It has improved my respiratory performance, reduced inflammation, and helped expedite recovery from the common flu and cough.
Read More
7.5
Reduces symptom severity
Helpful in reducing the severity of cold, flu, and Covid symptoms. Great product.
Read More
7.5
Post-flu relief
A very good product after experiencing flu or Covid.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Boosts respiratory health
Taking Solaray Quercetin Bromelain & Vitamin C for immunity health has been beneficial. The quality, ingredients, and potency in easy-to-swallow capsules greatly aid those with low immunity and sinuses. It has improved my respiratory performance, reduced inflammation, and helped expedite recovery from the common flu and cough.
7.5
Reduces symptom severity
Helpful in reducing the severity of cold, flu, and Covid symptoms. Great product.
7.5
Value during flu season
This brand offers great quality at a low price. If you wish to take vitamin C, combining it with quercetin, a flavonoid, and bromelain enhances immunity. It's reliable throughout the flu peak season.
7.5
Supports immune health
Great product! A quality offering at a reasonable price! This has been helping me with allergies and keeping my immune system strong during cold and flu season. The ingredients are clean with no unnecessary additives.
7
We examined how vitamin C supplementation can impact flu incidence and symptom duration. Our analysis of clinical studies indicated that vitamin C does show promise in reducing the risk of acute respiratory infections, including flu. Specifically, vitamin C reduced the likelihood of catching an acute respiratory infection by approximately 4% (risk ratio of 0.96).
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C also helps shorten the duration of flu symptoms by around 9%. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in men and people from middle-income countries, highlighting the complexity of health factors influenced by gender and socio-economic status.
Overall, while the findings suggest vitamin C can be a modicum of hope in managing flu symptoms, it isn't a standalone solution. Our results advocate for more research to fully understand the impact of vitamin C, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by various respiratory viruses, including influenza.
9
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
References
- Corrêa MFP, Ventura TLB, Muzitano MF, Dos Anjos da Cruz E, Bergonzi MC, et al. Suppressive effects of Vochysia divergens aqueous leaf extract and its 5-methoxyflavone on murine macrophages and lymphocytes. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;221:77. 10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.007
- Abioye AI, Bromage S, Fawzi W. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health. 2021;6. 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003176
- Márquez-Domínguez L, Reyes-Leyva J, Herrera-Camacho I, Santos-López G, Scior T. Five Novel Non-Sialic Acid-Like Scaffolds Inhibit In Vitro H1N1 and H5N2 Neuraminidase Activity of Influenza a Virus. Molecules. 2020;25. 10.3390/molecules25184248
- Kim H, Jang M, Kim Y, Choi J, Jeon J, et al. Red ginseng and vitamin C increase immune cell activity and decrease lung inflammation induced by influenza A virus/H1N1 infection. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2016;68:406. 10.1111/jphp.12529
- Wang H, Xu R, Shi Y, Si L, Jiao P, et al. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel L-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpene derivatives as potential influenza virus entry inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem. 2016;110:376. 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.01.005
- Cai Y, Li YF, Tang LP, Tsoi B, Chen M, et al. A new mechanism of vitamin C effects on A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:675149. 10.1155/2015/675149
- Raja K, Prabahar A, Selvakumar S, Raja TK. In Silico Analysis to Compare the Effectiveness of Assorted Drugs Prescribed for Swine flu in Diverse Medicine Systems. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2014;76:10. PubMed
- Aschauer S, Gouya G, Klickovic U, Storka A, Weisshaar S, et al. Effect of systemic high dose vitamin C therapy on forearm blood flow reactivity during endotoxemia in healthy human subjects. Vascul Pharmacol. 2014;61:25. 10.1016/j.vph.2014.01.007
- Gorton HC, Jarvis K. The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999;22:530. PubMed
