Evidence supporting the use of: Codonopsis
For the health condition: Debility
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Codonopsis pilosula, commonly known as "Dang Shen" or "poor man's ginseng," has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support individuals experiencing debility, fatigue, or general weakness. In TCM, Codonopsis is often prescribed as a tonic herb to "tonify Qi" (vital energy) and fortify the spleen and lungs, which are considered sources of overall vitality and strength. It is frequently used as a milder and less expensive alternative to Panax ginseng, especially for people who are weakened by chronic illness, convalescence, or old age.
There is limited scientific research specifically validating the traditional use of Codonopsis for debility. Some preliminary studies have identified immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, and adaptogenic properties in Codonopsis extracts, but these findings are not robust or conclusive. The majority of evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional usage rather than rigorous clinical trials. Therefore, while its use for debility is well-established within the framework of traditional herbal medicine, scientific validation is lacking, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and mechanism of action in this context.
Other ingredients used for Debility
adrenal cortexAlfalfa
amino acids
apricot
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine spleen
carrot
chlorella
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
L-glutamine
Milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pomegranate
protein
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
Zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
siler root
hyacinth bean
Algae
Aralia
antler
ambergris
Angelica
Acacia
Achyranthes
anamu
Aletris
Algal protein
Abalone
animal protein
bishop\'s weed
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bovine protein
bael
Borassus aethiopum
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Chlorophytum
chicken
deer root
deer velvet
elk antler
flat-stem milk-vetch
glucose
heal-all
long pepper
jungli-bean
Microcos
Phyllanthus
Pyrrosia
Pseudostellaria
Rubia yunnanensis
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Southern Tsangshu
Other health conditions supported by Codonopsis
Adrenal FatigueAnemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Gastritis
Inflammation
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Wasting
Wounds and Sores