Synopsis

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

Trichosanthes (commonly known as Chinese snake gourd or Tian Hua Fen) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly for treating conditions described as "warm diseases" or febrile illnesses, which often correspond to colds and flus with fever in Western terms. In TCM, the root of Trichosanthes kirilowii is classified as a "heat-clearing" and "toxin-resolving" herb. Historical texts such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and subsequent TCM materia medica describe its use to reduce fever, promote body fluid production (thus relieving thirst from fever), and resolve phlegm, all symptoms that may accompany colds.

However, scientific evidence supporting these traditional uses is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have explored the immunomodulatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects of trichosanthin, a key protein found in Trichosanthes, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The majority of support for its use in treating colds with fever remains rooted in traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, the evidence rating is moderate (2 out of 5), reflecting a strong traditional basis but limited direct scientific corroboration for this specific use.

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