Evidence supporting the use of: Luffa
For the health condition: Colds (with fever)

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Synopsis

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

Luffa, also known as loofah or Luffa cylindrica, has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese herbal practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), luffa (often referred to as "sponge gourd" or "丝瓜" in Chinese) is used for its purported cooling and detoxifying properties. It has been included in herbal remedies aimed at treating colds, especially those accompanied by fever, headache, and phlegm. The traditional rationale suggests that luffa may help "clear heat" from the body and alleviate symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. While luffa contains various bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, there are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews confirming its efficacy for colds with fever in humans. Some laboratory studies have noted mild anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects, but these findings are preliminary and not directly linked to cold or fever treatment. Overall, its use for this condition is primarily justified by tradition rather than scientific validation.

More about Luffa
More about Colds (with fever)

Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)

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green chiretta
anthocyanins
basil
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
capsaicinoids
chamomile
citrus oil
clove
coconut milk
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
lemon
licorice root
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plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
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pistacia integerrima gall
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buckthorn
yerba santa
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indigo leaves
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Capillary Artemisia
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Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dragonhead
Eclipta
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Flavoglycosides
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Glechoma hederacea
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Hemp
Horsemint
Isoquinoline alkaloids
Isatis
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Indian Fagonia
Laggera pterodonta
Luffa
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Little ironweed
Ligusticum
Linalool
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Melia
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Products containing Luffa

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.