Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Tsangshu
For the health condition: Endurance (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Southern Tsangshu (also known as Cang Zhu or Atractylodes lancea) is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its effects on the digestive system, to dispel dampness, and to strengthen the spleen. Its use to address issues of "endurance"—interpreted in TCM as general fatigue or lack of physical stamina—stems from its reputed ability to "tonify Qi" (energy) and support the body's resilience against fatigue. Classical TCM texts often describe Cang Zhu as an herb that reinforces the body's foundational energy, which practitioners believe can translate to improved endurance or stamina, especially when lack of endurance is due to weakness of the spleen or accumulation of dampness impeding Qi flow.
However, there is limited modern scientific research directly linking Southern Tsangshu to improvements in physical endurance or athletic performance. Most references to its use for endurance are rooted in tradition and historical TCM practice rather than in randomized controlled studies or pharmacological evidence. A few animal studies suggest possible anti-fatigue or energy-boosting effects, but these are preliminary and not widely replicated or validated in humans. As such, while the traditional use of Southern Tsangshu for endurance is well documented, robust scientific validation is lacking, and its evidence rating for this indication remains modest.
Other ingredients used for Endurance (lack of)
acetyl l-carnitineashwagandha
beta-alanine
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
eleuthero
ginseng
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
magnesium
milk
phenolic acids
rhodiola
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
vitamin B12
jiaogulan
siler root
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha polylactate
Antler
Arginine malate
Alpha glyceryl
Bacteria
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
esters
Other health conditions supported by Southern Tsangshu
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Debility
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating