Evidence supporting the use of: Hedyotis diffusa
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

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

Hedyotis diffusa, known as Bai Hua She She Cao in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for its purported anti-infective properties, including for viral infections. In TCM, this herb is commonly prescribed for "clearing heat and toxins," which often refers to the treatment of various infectious diseases such as hepatitis, influenza, and other febrile illnesses. The traditional use is primarily based on centuries-old empirical evidence rather than modern scientific validation.

Scientific studies have investigated Hedyotis diffusa for antimicrobial and antiviral activities, but the majority of research is preliminary and largely limited to in vitro (test tube) or animal models. Some studies have reported that extracts of Hedyotis diffusa exhibit inhibitory effects against certain viruses, such as hepatitis B virus and influenza virus, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human clinical trials. Furthermore, the active compounds responsible for these effects, such as flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, have been identified, but their efficacy and safety in humans remain unclear.

Overall, Hedyotis diffusa’s use for viral infections is primarily justified by traditional practice, with limited and low-quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in this context. Further well-designed clinical research would be required to substantiate its role in the management of viral infections.

More about Hedyotis diffusa
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