Trichosanthes, particularly Trichosanthes kirilowii and Trichosanthes cucumerina, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, the root (known as Tian Hua Fen) and the fruit are used to address various digestive complaints, including symptoms that would be classified as dyspepsia (indigestion), such as poor appetite, bloating, and discomfort after eating. The traditional rationale posits that Trichosanthes can "clear heat," "transform phlegm," and "moisten dryness," which are believed to underlie certain gastrointestinal complaints. Ayurveda also makes use of Trichosanthes species for digestive problems, describing their bitter and cooling properties as helpful for balancing digestive disturbances.

Modern scientific research on Trichosanthes for dyspepsia is limited. Some studies have investigated its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastroprotective effects in animal models, but direct evidence supporting its efficacy for dyspepsia in humans is lacking. The available data are insufficient to confirm its effectiveness or elucidate its mechanism for this specific indication. Thus, while its use is well-documented in traditional medicine, scientific support is weak, and clinical trials are largely absent. The evidence rating of 2 reflects a reliance on traditional use with minimal scientific validation.