Synopsis

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

Fritillaria, specifically the bulbs of Fritillaria cirrhosa and related species (known as "Chuan Bei Mu" in Traditional Chinese Medicine), have a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine for the treatment of coughs, including spastic (dry, irritating) coughs. The use is documented in classical Chinese medical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and is a common component in formulas designed to moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm. Fritillaria is traditionally believed to have properties that clear heat, transform phlegm, and relieve cough, particularly in cases where the cough is persistent and accompanied by dryness or scanty sputum.

Some modern pharmacological studies have identified alkaloids (e.g., peimine and peiminine) in Fritillaria species that demonstrate antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in animal models. These studies suggest mechanisms such as inhibition of the cough reflex and reduction of airway inflammation, offering partial scientific support for its traditional use. However, the majority of clinical evidence remains preliminary, with few high-quality human trials. Most of the support for Fritillaria's use in cough comes from centuries of traditional practice and observational reports, rather than robust clinical research. Therefore, its use for spastic cough is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate but not definitive supporting evidence.

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