Evidence supporting the use of: Hu Zhang
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Hu Zhang (虎杖), also known as Polygonum cuspidatum or Japanese knotweed, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Hu Zhang is often employed to "clear heat," "remove toxins," and "dispel wind-dampness." It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections such as the common cold, due in part to its perceived ability to clear toxins and support immune function.
Although modern research has identified several bioactive compounds in Hu Zhang, such as resveratrol and emodin, and some laboratory studies suggest possible antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, robust clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for treating colds or viral infections in humans is limited. Most of the support for its application in colds is based on traditional usage rather than well-designed, large-scale clinical trials. The evidence rating is therefore moderate, primarily reflecting strong traditional endorsement but only limited scientific validation for this particular indication.
In summary, Hu Zhang is used for colds in the context of TCM based on centuries of traditional practice, and while there is some preclinical evidence of antiviral effects, high-quality clinical studies are lacking.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Hu Zhang
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Angina
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Fibrosis
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout