Evidence supporting the use of: Rehmannia glutinosa
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex

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Synopsis

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

Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, it is believed to nourish the "Yin" and support the kidneys, which are considered to govern vitality and adrenal function in the traditional paradigm. The concept of "kidney" in TCM, however, does not directly correspond to the anatomical adrenal cortex, but rather to a broader set of systemic functions related to energy, hormone regulation, and stress resilience. Practitioners of TCM often use Rehmannia in formulas aimed at addressing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and stress—issues sometimes interpreted in Western terms as "adrenal fatigue," although this is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence linking Rehmannia glutinosa to adrenal cortex function in humans. Some animal studies have suggested that extracts of Rehmannia may influence stress response or hormone levels, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. As such, the use of Rehmannia for supporting adrenal health is justified primarily by its long-standing role in traditional herbal practice, rather than by rigorous modern scientific validation.

Overall, while Rehmannia glutinosa is commonly used in traditional systems to support functions conceptually related to the adrenal cortex, scientific evidence for this use is weak. Its continued use in this context is based on tradition and anecdotal reports rather than definitive clinical evidence.

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