Evidence supporting the use of: Balloon Flower
For the body system: Bronchials
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) has a long tradition of use in East Asian herbal medicine, especially in Chinese and Korean medical systems, to support the bronchial and respiratory systems. Its root, known as Jie Geng in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is commonly used as an expectorant and to help soothe coughs, clear phlegm, and relieve sore throat. Historical texts and pharmacopeias document its use for conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and other ailments involving inflammation and congestion of the respiratory tract.
The main active components of Balloon Flower root are saponins, particularly platycodin D, which have been shown in some in vitro and animal studies to exhibit anti-inflammatory and expectorant activities. These properties may provide a plausible mechanism for its traditional use. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and most of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on historical use rather than robust scientific validation. While some modern research supports anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects, more rigorous studies are necessary to fully substantiate these effects in the context of respiratory health.
In summary, Balloon Flower's use for supporting the bronchial system is primarily justified by tradition, supported by some preliminary pharmacological research, but lacking strong clinical evidence. The tradition of use is well-established, but scientific confirmation is still developing.
Other ingredients that support Bronchials
Aloe veraalpha-pinene
astragalus
beta-pinene
chamomile
coleus forskohlii
turmeric
forskohlii root
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
licorice
marshmallow
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
perilla
platycodon root
purple butterbur root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
mullein
catnip
hyssop
lobelia
capsicum
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
tylophora
lingzhi
prickly ash
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
tartarian aster
caraway
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
Abies spectabilis
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Adrenergic amines
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Black Seed
Black spruce
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Benzoin
Boswellia
Butterbur
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Cineole
Catecholamine
Cajuput
Centipeda
Cowslip
Calamus
Cedrus libani
Chekiang Fritillary
Desmodium
Deerbrush
Ephedra
European Elder
Ephedrine
Elemi
Eriodictyol
Fritillary
Fungus
Fir
Glehnia littoralis
Gumweed
Guaco
Grindelia
Garrya
Glycyrrhizin
Higenamine
Hederacoside
Honey loquat syrup
Ivy
Khella
Lactucarium
Lebbek
Lomatium
Luffa
Lungwort
Ligusticum
Malva sylvestris
Monardella odoratissima
Mormon Tea
Methylxanthine
Mountain Pride
Maidenhair Fern
Mondo Grass
Nigella Seed
Nasturtium
Night jessamine
Osha
Pinellia Ternata
Pulsatilla
Petasines
Platycodon
Peucedanum
Pelargonium
Plectranthus amboinicus
Quebracho
Rubber Rabbitbrush
Ravinsara
Sabadilla
Spanish Needle
Serrapeptase
Stemona
Sida cordifolia
Storax
Sundew
Terpenoids
Theophylline
Tylophorine
Umckaloabo
Umckalin
Vasicine
Vasicinol
Vasicinone
Xanthine
Other body systems supported by Balloon Flower
BronchialsDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses