Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Smilax
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

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

Chinese Smilax (Smilax glabra), known as "Tu Fu Ling" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is traditionally used to support urinary and bladder health. In TCM, it is believed to “clear damp-heat” and eliminate toxins, which conceptually includes the support of the bladder and urinary tract. Practitioners have used it for centuries to address urinary discomfort, difficult urination, and conditions interpreted as "dampness" or "heat" in the bladder.

While some laboratory studies have found that Chinese Smilax contains saponins, flavonoids, and other compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, these findings are preliminary and do not specifically validate its use for bladder health in humans. Clinical trials directly linking Smilax glabra to bladder health outcomes are lacking. However, the historical and ongoing use in TCM provides a traditional justification for its use in this context.

In summary, the use of Chinese Smilax to support the bladder is justified primarily by longstanding traditional use, with minimal scientific validation at present.

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