Patrinia, particularly Patrinia scabiosaefolia and Patrinia villosa, is a herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its primary applications in TCM are for clearing heat, detoxifying, and treating conditions such as abscesses, sores, and intestinal disorders. The use of Patrinia for gonorrhea is based primarily on its traditional classification as an herb that "clears damp heat," a pathological concept in TCM thought to underlie certain genitourinary infections, including gonorrhea. Historical TCM texts sometimes list Patrinia as one of several ingredients in complex formulas for treating symptoms resembling those of gonorrhea (such as urethral discharge), but it is rarely used as a standalone remedy for this specific condition.

Modern scientific research on Patrinia has focused on its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. However, there is little to no direct clinical or pharmacological evidence supporting its efficacy against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea. Available studies have not specifically addressed its use for treating gonorrhea in controlled clinical settings. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition and there is some indirect rationale (due to its general antimicrobial activity), the evidence base is weak and does not meet modern standards for efficacy in treating gonorrhea.