Synopsis

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

Zhejiang fritillary (scientifically known as Fritillaria thunbergii) is a traditional Chinese herb commonly used in Chinese medicine to treat coughs associated with "dampness" and "phlegm." Its use dates back centuries, with prominent mention in classical texts such as the "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "Shennong Bencao Jing." In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the bulb of Zhejiang fritillary—referred to as "Zhe Bei Mu"—is believed to have properties that clear heat, resolve phlegm, and relieve cough, especially those types thought to be caused by excessive dampness in the lungs.

Modern pharmacological studies provide some support for its traditional use: compounds isolated from the bulb, such as peimine and peiminine, have demonstrated antitussive (cough-suppressing), expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models, although high-quality human clinical trials are limited. The herb is often prescribed in TCM formulas targeting chronic productive cough, especially when caused by "phlegm-heat" patterns, which loosely correlate with certain respiratory infections or inflammatory conditions in biomedical terms. However, the evidence base is still primarily traditional, as rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are lacking.

In summary, the use of Zhejiang fritillary for cough (particularly with damp or phlegmy characteristics) is well-established in TCM practice and supported by a moderate amount of preclinical evidence, but definitive scientific validation in human populations remains limited.

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