Synopsis

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

Lophatherum gracile, commonly known as lophatherum leaf or "Dan Zhu Ye" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a longstanding history of use in East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as a cooling herb that clears heat and promotes urination. Because kidney infections (such as pyelonephritis) are seen in TCM as "heat" or "damp-heat" conditions affecting the urinary tract, lophatherum leaf is included in herbal formulas aimed at "clearing heat" from the kidneys and bladder, reducing inflammation, and promoting diuresis (increased urination) to help expel pathogens.

Despite its traditional use, modern scientific evidence supporting lophatherum leaf’s effectiveness for kidney infections is limited. Some laboratory studies have identified mild anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antimicrobial properties in extracts of Lophatherum gracile, but these studies are preliminary and not specific to kidney infection pathogens or clinical outcomes. No high-quality clinical trials have evaluated its efficacy in treating kidney infections. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than robust scientific data. Patients with suspected kidney infection should seek immediate medical attention, as untreated infections can be serious or life-threatening.

In summary, lophatherum leaf is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to address symptoms consistent with urinary tract or kidney infections, but scientific validation of this use remains weak.

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