Synopsis

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

Chinese Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis) is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support fertility and treat infertility in both men and women. The seeds, known as "Tu Si Zi" (菟丝子), are considered to tonify the kidney and liver, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory are organs closely linked to reproductive health. Historical texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), describe Dodder seed as beneficial for nourishing essence (jing), supporting sperm production, and regulating menstruation. It is a common ingredient in classic herbal formulas prescribed for infertility, impotence, or threatened miscarriage. Modern scientific research is limited but does provide some preliminary support: animal studies have indicated that extracts of Cuscuta chinensis may improve sperm quality and quantity and modulate sex hormones, potentially via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. However, these findings are not robustly validated in human trials, and evidence remains mostly preclinical or anecdotal. Thus, while historical use is well-documented and some animal studies show promise, there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to fully endorse its efficacy for infertility from a scientific standpoint. The primary justification for its use remains traditional, supported by centuries of use and foundational TCM theory rather than modern clinical trials.

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