Synopsis

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

Trichosanthes, particularly Trichosanthes kirilowii and Trichosanthes cucumerina, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and some other traditional medicine systems. In TCM, various parts of the Trichosanthes plant (such as the fruit, root, and seeds) are used for a range of conditions, including inflammatory diseases. For conjunctivitis, Trichosanthes is traditionally believed to help "clear heat" and "detoxify" the body, which aligns with TCM concepts of treating red, swollen, or inflamed eyes. Specific classical TCM formulas may include Trichosanthes as an ingredient aimed at addressing eye inflammation or irritation, although it is not universally the primary herb for conjunctivitis. However, the scientific validation for Trichosanthes in the treatment of conjunctivitis is minimal. There are isolated in vitro and animal studies suggesting anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects of certain Trichosanthes extracts, but these do not specifically target conjunctivitis, and there is a lack of robust clinical trials examining its efficacy for this condition in humans. The available evidence is thus mostly anecdotal or derived from traditional practices rather than rigorous scientific research. Therefore, while the use of Trichosanthes for conjunctivitis is primarily justified by tradition, the supporting evidence is weak and should be interpreted cautiously.

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