Evidence supporting the use of: Qin Jiao
For the health condition: Jaundice (adults)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Qin Jiao (Gentiana macrophylla or related Gentiana species) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat conditions such as jaundice in adults. Its use is documented in classical TCM texts, where it is categorized as a "wind-damp-dispelling" herb with the ability to clear heat and resolve dampness—concepts that are believed, in TCM theory, to contribute to jaundice. Qin Jiao is often included in formulas aimed at treating "damp-heat" jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and a feeling of heaviness, according to TCM diagnostics.
However, modern scientific validation for Qin Jiao's efficacy in treating jaundice specifically is limited. Some pharmacological studies suggest that certain compounds in Qin Jiao exhibit anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and choleretic (stimulating bile flow) effects in animal models, which could theoretically support its traditional use for liver and biliary conditions. But clinical trials in humans for the treatment of jaundice are lacking, and there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to confirm its safety and efficacy for this indication. Thus, the use of Qin Jiao for jaundice remains primarily justified by tradition, with low-level supporting evidence from preliminary pharmacological research.
Other ingredients used for Jaundice (adults)
Aloe veragreen chiretta
annatto
artichoke
bamboo
barberry
myrobalan
betel
blackberry
bovine liver
rice
turmeric
dandelion
gooseberry
heartwood
honeysuckle
licorice root
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
plum fruit
reishi mushroom
scrophularia root
silymarin
chickweed
typhonium
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
morus
sweetgums
birch
sheep's sorrel
peach
white oak
Acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Amor seco
Arani
Borotutu
Babchi
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Beef liver
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Banyan
black salt
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bergenia
Chinese Silkvine
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Chirata
Calamus
Carthamus
Colocynth
Clerodendrum indicum
Didymocarpus
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Embelia
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Goldthread
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Homalomena
Indian Nightshade
Indian Sarsparilla
Iridoid glycosides
Indian Coraltree
Ivy
Loquat
Lophira lanceolata
Lotus
Lycopodium
Leptadenia
Large-Leaved Linden
Little ironweed
Loranthus
Macaranga indica
Orchid
Osmanthus
Premna
Palmyra
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pentatropis capensis
Polygonatum
Pimpinella
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Qin Jiao
Rue
Rubiaceae
Rhus coriaria
Rumex acetosa
Rhubarb
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Silydianin
Semecarpus anacardium
Silybum
Stone Root
Servicetree
Taraxacin
Taraxacum
Wax Gourd
Winter Savory
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Yellow Dock
Yin Chen
Other health conditions supported by Qin Jiao
ArthritisBackache
Edema
Fever
Gout
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers