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

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Synopsis

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

Trichosanthis, particularly the fruit (Trichosanthes kirilowii, known as "gualou" in Chinese medicine), has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address respiratory conditions, including dry cough. According to TCM theory, Trichosanthis is believed to "moisten the lungs" and "transform phlegm," making it a common ingredient in herbal formulas for coughs that are dry or accompanied by thick, sticky sputum. Historical pharmacopeias and TCM texts, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and later materia medica, describe its use for symptoms resembling dry cough, chest congestion, and related ailments.

However, scientific validation for its effectiveness in treating dry cough is limited. Some contemporary pharmacological studies have identified expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties in extracts of Trichosanthes species, but these are generally preliminary, often conducted in vitro or in animal models, and rarely focus specifically on dry cough in humans. There is a lack of robust, high-quality clinical trials directly supporting its efficacy for this indication. Therefore, while its use is well-established in traditional practice, the scientific evidence base remains modest, justifying a rating of 2 for evidence strength.

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