Evidence supporting the use of: Platycodon
For the health condition: Cough (damp)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Platycodon grandiflorus (commonly known as balloon flower, and called Jie Geng in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine, especially for respiratory issues such as cough associated with "dampness"—a TCM concept that often corresponds to symptoms of productive (phlegmy) cough. Traditional texts describe Platycodon as an herb that "opens up the lung qi," "expels phlegm," and "benefits the throat," and it is a common ingredient in formulas for cough, sore throat, and bronchitis. Its use for "damp" cough is thus well-established in herbal tradition, with centuries of recorded use in China, Korea, and Japan.

Regarding scientific evidence, modern pharmacological research has identified saponins (notably platycodin D) as active constituents with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and some antimicrobial properties. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that Platycodon extracts can reduce airway inflammation and promote the clearance of mucus. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and most evidence remains preclinical. Thus, while the traditional rationale is strong and partially supported by laboratory research, clinical validation is still lacking, and the bulk of support for its use in "damp" cough remains rooted in tradition rather than modern scientific consensus.

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