Synopsis

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

Heartwood, referring to the dense inner part of a tree trunk, is used in traditional medicine systems, primarily Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for the treatment of cough and other respiratory ailments. In Ayurveda, the heartwood of certain species such as Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood) and Acacia catechu (Black Catechu) is incorporated into herbal preparations to soothe the respiratory tract, alleviate throat irritation, and suppress cough. The selection of heartwood stems from longstanding empirical use, where decoctions or powders are administered with the belief that they exert anti-inflammatory, astringent, and demulcent effects.

Scientific validation for the use of heartwood in cough is limited. Some in vitro studies have investigated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of heartwood extracts from various species, suggesting a potential mechanism for their efficacy in relieving throat irritation and mild infections that can trigger cough. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials demonstrating clear antitussive effects in humans. Therefore, its use for cough remains primarily justified by traditional practice rather than modern scientific standards. The evidence rating reflects the existence of some supportive pharmacological data, but the absence of high-quality clinical studies limits confidence in its effectiveness for this indication.

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