Evidence supporting the use of: Centipeda minima
For the body system: Eyes

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Synopsis

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

Centipeda minima, also known as "Eriocaulon minima" or "small centipeda," has a longstanding history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is primarily used to address nasal and respiratory conditions, but it also appears in classical formulas for ocular health, particularly for conditions involving inflammation, redness, or blurred vision. TCM texts attribute its benefits to its ability to "dispel wind-heat" and "brighten the eyes." However, the evidence for these uses is based on historical and traditional applications rather than modern scientific validation.

Modern pharmacological research on Centipeda minima has largely focused on its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial properties. While these properties suggest a potential benefit for inflammatory eye conditions, direct clinical studies supporting its efficacy for eye health in humans are lacking. A few in vitro and animal studies indicate anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically support its traditional use for ocular inflammation, but no robust clinical trials exist to confirm safety or effectiveness for this purpose.

In summary, the use of Centipeda minima to support the eyes is justified primarily by tradition, with limited scientific evidence (hence a 2/5 rating). Its application should be viewed in the context of traditional herbalism rather than evidence-based ophthalmology.

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