Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity

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Synopsis

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

Bupleurum is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), most notably as a chief ingredient in the classic formula Xiao Yao San (逍遥散), which is prescribed for various gynecological complaints, including menstrual irregularity, premenstrual syndrome, and dysmenorrhea. In TCM, Bupleurum is believed to "soothe the liver" and regulate qi, which is thought to help restore menstrual regularity when imbalances are present. The use of Bupleurum for menstrual issues is well-documented in historical pharmacopeias and remains common among practitioners of TCM.

However, scientific validation for Bupleurum's efficacy specifically in treating menstrual irregularity is limited. Some preclinical studies suggest Bupleurum may have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hormonal effects, but these are not directly tied to menstrual regulation in high-quality clinical trials. Systematic reviews and clinical studies on Xiao Yao San (which contains Bupleurum among several other herbs) have found some evidence for improvement in symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, but these studies often do not isolate Bupleurum as the active component.

Overall, the use of Bupleurum for menstrual irregularity is justified primarily by historical and traditional use rather than strong scientific evidence. The evidence rating is therefore moderate for tradition but low for direct clinical validation.

More about Bupleurum
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