Evidence supporting the use of: Caterpillar mushroom
For the health condition: Kidney Infection

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Synopsis

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

Caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) is traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support kidney health and treat conditions believed to be related to "kidney deficiency." In TCM, the "kidney" encompasses a broader set of functions than the anatomical kidney and includes aspects of vitality, reproductive health, and energy. Cordyceps has been used for centuries in China and Tibet as a general tonic and specifically for kidney-related issues, including fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and general debility.

However, the use of caterpillar mushroom specifically for kidney infection (such as bacterial pyelonephritis) is not strongly supported by scientific evidence. Modern studies on Cordyceps have shown some beneficial effects on kidney function, such as potential protection against nephrotoxicity or support in chronic kidney disease, but these studies are preliminary and do not directly address acute or bacterial kidney infections. There is also a lack of robust clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in treating infections of the kidney. Thus, its use for this specific condition is primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than validated by modern science. The evidence rating is low due to the absence of targeted, high-quality clinical studies for kidney infections.

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