Backed by Science
Our ingredients are selected not just for tradition, but for proven effect. Below, you’ll find peer-reviewed research supporting the antiviral properties of each natural extract in Potion: evidence that nature’s remedies can be both time-tested and scientifically verified.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
1. Reduction in Influenza Symptoms
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that elderberry extract reduced the duration of influenza symptoms by around four days.
📄 Zakay-Rones et al., 2004 – PubMed
2. Mechanism of Action Against Influenza Virus
Elderberry blocks key viral proteins that enable the virus to attach to and enter host cells, preventing early-stage infection.
📄 Tiralongo et al., 2016 – ScienceDaily Summary
3. Comprehensive Review
Elderberry has shown effectiveness at multiple stages of infection (pre-, during, and post-infection), particularly with influenza viruses.
📄 Natural Medicine Journal Review – Link
Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina)
1. Antiviral Activity Against HIV-1
Extracts from related birch fungi (Inonotus obliquus) show inhibition of HIV-1 replication, suggesting potential broad-spectrum antiviral effects.
📄 Wasser, 2014 – PubMed
2. Immunomodulatory Effects
Extracts from Fomitopsis betulinus (formerly Piptoporus betulinus) have been shown to enhance cytokine responses, such as increased interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels, supporting the body’s antiviral immune defences.
📄 ScienceDirect Topic Overview – sciencedirect.com
3. Antioxidant PropertiesFomitopsis betulina is rich in phenolic compounds with significant antioxidant activity, contributing to reduced oxidative stress and immune support.
📄 Open Agriculture Journal, 2023 – openagriculturejournal.com
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
1. Inhibition of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV)
Fresh ginger significantly inhibited HRSV plaque formation by preventing viral attachment and entry.
📄 Chang et al., 2013 – PubMed
2. Activity Against Norovirus Surrogates
Ginger aqueous extracts were found to reduce viral titres of feline calicivirus, a surrogate for human norovirus.
📄 Mukhopadhyay et al., 2022 – ScienceDirect
3. Review of Antiviral Activity
A review article concluded ginger has promising antiviral effects, particularly in airway infections.
📄 Rahman et al., 2021 – ScienceDirect
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
1. Antiviral Activity Against HSV-1
Clove oil inhibited herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), largely due to its eugenol content.
📄 Benencia & Courrèges, 2000 – ResearchGate
2. Disruption of Viral Entry
Clove oil demonstrated interference in the early stages of the viral life cycle, such as adsorption and penetration.
📄 Siddiqui et al., 2023 – PMC
3. Broad-Spectrum Activity
Clove has shown antiviral activity against HSV-1, HSV-2, hepatitis A virus (HAV), and potentially dengue and Zika viruses.
📄 Ferreira et al., 2021 – MDPI
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
1. Potential Immunomodulatory Role in COVID-19
Cinnamon may support the modulation of immune responses and angiogenesis in severe COVID-19 cases.
📄 Weiss et al., 2021 – News Medical
2. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Cinnamon compounds were shown to inhibit the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 in a spice mixture study.
📄 Karimi et al., 2023 – PMC
3. Activity Against HSV-1
Essential oils from cinnamon demonstrated the ability to disrupt HSV-1 by preventing the virus from adhering to host cells.
📄 Viuda‐Martos et al., 2010 – MDPI
