Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, dodder seed—known as "Tu Si Zi"—is prized for its purported ability to tonify the liver and kidneys, improve vitality, and support reproductive health. Some traditional practitioners may recommend dodder for conditions related to liver weakness or chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, based on these beliefs about its restorative properties. However, these uses are rooted primarily in the holistic concepts of TCM rather than in direct clinical evidence or biochemical mechanisms relevant to liver cirrhosis specifically.

Scientific studies on dodder’s effects on liver health are limited. While some preclinical research has investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of dodder extracts, there is little high-quality clinical data to confirm its efficacy in treating or managing cirrhosis of the liver in humans. No major clinical trials have established dodder as a validated therapy for cirrhosis, and its use for this purpose is not recognized in evidence-based medicine. Thus, any use of dodder for cirrhosis is justified primarily by tradition, with very low scientific support.

More about dodder
More about Cirrhosis of the Liver

Other ingredients used for Cirrhosis of the Liver

Other health conditions supported by dodder

Products containing dodder