Evidence supporting the use of: Codonopsis
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

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

Codonopsis, also known as "Dang Shen," is traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a tonic herb, often considered a gentler alternative to ginseng. It is commonly prescribed to strengthen "qi" (vital energy), improve appetite, and support the immune system. In the context of chemotherapy, Codonopsis is traditionally believed to help alleviate fatigue, support hematopoiesis (production of blood cells), and reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite, which are common among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Historical usage records and classical Chinese medical texts document its inclusion in herbal formulas given to individuals experiencing weakness or recovering from illness, including those with cancer.

From a scientific perspective, there are some preliminary studies—mainly in vitro and animal models—that suggest immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, and hematopoietic effects of Codonopsis, but robust clinical evidence in human cancer patients is lacking. The majority of its use in chemotherapy support is justified by traditional practice rather than strong scientific validation. Reviews and small clinical studies sometimes mention Codonopsis as a component of multi-herb formulas, but its specific contribution and efficacy remain unclear. As such, while Codonopsis has a long history of traditional use to support patients through chemotherapy, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness for this indication.

More about Codonopsis
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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Acemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
Alpha Glucans
Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
Glutamine
Glutathione
grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glutathione
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinan
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesima
Methylselenocysteine
Milk Protein
Milk thistle
Mistletoe
Mushroom
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Oldenlandia diffusa
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)
phytocannabinoids
polysaccharides
pomegranate
probiotics
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
selenium
Selenomethionine
shiitake mushroom
Silychristin
soy isoflavones
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Sulforaphane
Thymidine
Thymoquinone
tributyrin
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Typhonium flagelliforme
Verbascoside
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
Whey protein
Zinc

Products containing Codonopsis

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