Evidence supporting the use of: Stemona
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Stemona, particularly species such as Stemona tuberosa and Stemona japonica, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cough, especially dry cough. In the Chinese pharmacopeia, Stemona root (known as Bai Bu) is described as having properties that “moisten the lungs and stop cough,” and is commonly included in formulas for chronic, dry, or irritating coughs. The traditional use is well-documented in classical texts and persists in modern herbal practice.

Scientific research exists but is limited and mostly preclinical. Some studies have identified alkaloids within Stemona species—such as stemonine and tuberostemonine—that exhibit antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in animal models. These compounds are thought to act on the central nervous system to reduce the cough reflex. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking, and most modern support for its efficacy remains rooted in traditional usage and pharmacological plausibility rather than large, high-quality clinical trials.

In summary, the use of Stemona for dry cough is primarily justified by a strong tradition of use, supported by some preliminary pharmacological data but not yet validated by rigorous clinical research.

More about Stemona
More about Cough (dry)

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