Evidence supporting the use of: Trichosanthis
For the health condition: Emphysema

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Synopsis

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

Trichosanthis (commonly referring to the fruit or root of Trichosanthes kirilowii) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for respiratory conditions, including symptoms that may align with emphysema such as chronic cough, wheezing, and phlegm retention. In TCM, Trichosanthis is believed to "clear heat" and "transform phlegm," making it relevant in formulas for chronic lung disorders. However, the use is based on traditional concepts rather than a modern biomedical understanding of emphysema, which is primarily a progressive loss of alveolar structure and lung elasticity.

There is some preliminary scientific investigation into the anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects of Trichosanthis extracts in general respiratory contexts, but there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials specifically evaluating its efficacy for emphysema as defined in Western medicine. Most references to its use are based on centuries-old medical texts and case reports rather than controlled studies. Thus, while Trichosanthis is traditionally used for symptoms that overlap with those of emphysema, evidence supporting its use is limited and primarily anecdotal or derived from in vitro and animal studies. Robust clinical evidence is lacking, so its use for emphysema remains supported mainly by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

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