Evidence supporting the use of: Cistanche (unspecified)
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

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

Cistanche, a genus of desert plants used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is primarily employed for its purported benefits on kidney health, vitality, and as a tonic for sexual health. In TCM, the concept of "kidney" often refers to a broader set of functions than the anatomical kidney, encompassing aspects of vitality, stamina, and reproductive health. Cistanche is traditionally used to "tonify the kidney yang," but its direct application for kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) is less prominent in classical texts. Some TCM formulations may include Cistanche as part of a broader approach to urinary problems, but it is not a principal herb for treating kidney stones.

There is limited scientific research evaluating Cistanche specifically for kidney stones. A few animal studies have investigated Cistanche for renal protection in general or its diuretic effects, but these do not directly address kidney stone prevention or dissolution. No robust human clinical trials exist supporting its use for this condition. Thus, while Cistanche has a traditional association with "kidney" health, its use for kidney stones is supported primarily by traditional use and not by strong evidence or scientific validation.

In summary, Cistanche's use for kidney stones is grounded more in traditional theory than in scientific validation, and current evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific condition is weak.

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