Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Dodder
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis) has a long-standing history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly as a kidney and liver tonic. In TCM, menopause is often understood as a deficiency or imbalance in kidney energy (yin or yang deficiency), and Chinese Dodder seeds (Tu Si Zi) are commonly prescribed to "tonify the kidney" and help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with menopause. The traditional rationale is that by supporting kidney health, one can moderate the physiological changes that occur during menopause.
Regarding scientific validation, research into Chinese Dodder’s effects on menopause is limited. Some animal studies have shown that extracts of Cuscuta chinensis may influence hormone levels, such as increasing estradiol or modulating other reproductive hormones, and may exhibit antioxidant properties. However, these studies are preliminary, mostly in animals, and do not provide conclusive evidence for its efficacy or safety in treating menopausal symptoms in humans. No high-quality clinical trials have been published to directly support its use for menopause.
In summary, the use of Chinese Dodder for menopause is primarily rooted in traditional practice, with only weak scientific evidence (mainly from animal studies) suggesting potential hormonal effects. Its use should be considered traditional, and individuals should consult healthcare professionals before using it for menopausal symptoms.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Dodder
Aging (prevention)Amenorrhea
Anemia
Backache
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hypertension
Infertility
Insomnia
Kidney Stones
Leukemia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Premature Ejaculation
Prostatitis
Sex Drive (low)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Tinnitus
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores