Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Dodder
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as "Tu Si Zi." In TCM, Chinese Dodder seeds are considered to "tonify" the kidney and liver systems; the "kidney" system in TCM encompasses not only the anatomical kidneys but also functions related to reproductive health, vitality, urinary health, and sometimes aspects of the bladder. Tu Si Zi is often prescribed in herbal formulas aimed at addressing conditions like frequent urination, urinary incontinence, or nocturia (night-time urination), which are interpreted as manifestations of "kidney deficiency" that can affect the bladder's function.
However, the connection between Chinese Dodder and direct support of the bladder as understood in modern biomedical terms is not robustly established. Most contemporary scientific studies on Cuscuta chinensis focus on its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, or reproductive health effects, rather than specific bladder health outcomes. The traditional use is well documented in TCM texts and continues to influence herbal practice, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials validating its effects specifically on the bladder. Therefore, while the use of Chinese Dodder for bladder support is justified within the context of traditional medicine, the scientific evidence remains limited, warranting a modest evidence rating.
Other ingredients that support Bladder
asparagusbearberry
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cranberry
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damiana
dandelion
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
horseradish
horsetail
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
marshmallow
methenamine
nettle
parsley
pear
plantain
pumpkin
pygeum
saw palmetto
water
sarsaparilla
squawvine
chickweed
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
goldenrod
yarrow
sodium salt
juniper berries
dodder
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
queen of the meadow
guelder rose
hydrangea
coix
polyporus
cleavers
shepherd's purse
wood betony
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
gravel root
akebia
Arbutin
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Aletris
Aucubin
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Baliospermum
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Bistort
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
boldo
berry
Black Poplar
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Carrapicho
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cedar
Corktree
Cubeb
Cranesbill
Crinum latifolium
Costus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DL-Methionine
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Erigeron
Euryale seed
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Fleabane
Fireweed
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Other body systems supported by Chinese Dodder
BladderBlood
Eyes
Female Reproductive System
Immune System
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Male Reproductive System
Reproductive System
Skeletal System (Bones)
Urinary System