Evidence supporting the use of: Earthworm
For the health condition: Heart (weakness)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Earthworm has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and traditional Southeast Asian medicine. In TCM, the dried body of the earthworm, known as "Di Long," is used to "clear heat," "open channels," and "calm wheezing." There are anecdotal and some historical references to its use in supporting cardiovascular health, such as improving blood circulation and addressing symptoms associated with heart weakness or cardiovascular insufficiency. However, the traditional use is often broader, targeting conditions like hypertension, stroke, and paralysis, rather than specifically "heart weakness" as defined in modern medicine.

From a scientific perspective, there is very limited evidence supporting the use of earthworm extracts for heart weakness or cardiovascular diseases. Some studies have investigated lumbrokinase, an enzyme complex derived from earthworms, for its potential fibrinolytic (blood clot-dissolving) properties. While lumbrokinase has shown promise in animal models and limited human studies for improving blood flow and reducing clot formation, robust clinical evidence for its effectiveness in treating heart weakness is lacking. The overall evidence remains preliminary and insufficient to recommend earthworm-derived products for direct support or treatment of heart weakness.

In summary, the use of earthworm for heart weakness is primarily justified by tradition, with only weak and indirect scientific evidence available. More rigorous research is needed to substantiate any health claims related to cardiovascular function.

More about Earthworm
More about Heart (weakness)

Products containing Earthworm

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.