Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese orchid
For the body system: Eyes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Chinese orchid (Dendrobium spp.), known as "Shihu" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in supporting the eyes and visual function. According to TCM theory, Dendrobium is believed to "nourish Yin," moisten dryness, and benefit the "eyes and vision," particularly in cases of eye fatigue, blurred vision, or dryness associated with Yin deficiency. Ancient texts like the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and later materia medica frequently mention Dendrobium's role in eye health, typically as part of formulas rather than as a stand-alone remedy.
However, scientific validation for these traditional uses is limited. Some modern pharmacological studies suggest that Dendrobium species contain polysaccharides and alkaloids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically benefit ocular health by reducing oxidative stress in eye tissues. Yet, there is a lack of direct clinical evidence or robust animal studies specifically linking Dendrobium extract to improvements in human eye conditions or visual acuity.
In summary, the use of Chinese orchid to support the eyes is primarily rooted in traditional practice with minimal scientific backing. Its evidence rating is low due to the absence of strong clinical trials or mechanistic studies directly relevant to eye health.
Other ingredients that support Eyes
acetyl l-carnitinealgal oil
alpha-carotene
anchovies
anthocyanins
apricot
astaxanthin
berry flavor
beta-carotene
bilberry
black currant
blackberry
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
carrot
citicoline
cryptoxanthin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gooseberry
hyaluronic acid
hypromellose
kale
l-carnosine
l-taurine
lutein
mackerel
mannitol
marine lipid
melatonin
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
pine bark
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rutin
saffron
sardines
shrimp
spinach
tomato
triphala
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
mulberry
zeaxanthin
zinc
chickweed
morus
chrysanthemum
haliotis
polyphenols
trace minerals
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Aronia melanocarpa
Alchornea
Avocado
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
beta-zeacarotene
Beef liver
Blakeslea trispora
berry
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Crocin
Carnosine
Cod Liver Oil
Cyanidin
Cornflower
Cantaloupe
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Cornus
Carotene (unspecified)
Crocetin
Cocklebur
Crypthecodinium
Celosia
Capsanthin
Currant
Dunaliella salina
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dunaliella
Egg
Ergothioneine
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavonoids
fibroblast growth factor
Rose
Squid
Squash
Other body systems supported by Chinese orchid
Adrenal GlandsBlood
Brain
Digestive System
Eyes
Immune System
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Nerves
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Skin
Spleen