Evidence supporting the use of: Akebia
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Akebia (Akebia quinata), known as "Mu Tong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has historically been used to address various gynecological conditions, including scanty menstruation (oligomenorrhea). In TCM theory, Akebia is classified as an herb that "promotes urination and unblocks channels," and is often prescribed to "invigorate blood circulation" and "dispel damp-heat," which are considered underlying factors in menstrual irregularities, including scanty periods. Classical TCM texts such as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and subsequent materia medica frequently list Akebia for promoting menstruation and treating amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, often in herbal formulas combined with other blood-invigorating or qi-regulating herbs.
However, direct scientific evidence supporting Akebia’s efficacy for scanty menstruation is lacking. Modern pharmacological studies on Akebia have focused on its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities rather than its effects on menstrual health. There are no robust clinical trials or biomedical studies establishing its effectiveness for increasing menstrual flow. Thus, its use for this purpose is based on traditional herbal practice rather than scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects the strong traditional but limited scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Menstruation (scant)
ashwagandhablack cohosh
chaste tree
dong quai root
iron
licorice root
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
wild yam
red clover
akebia
Aletris
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Cohosh
Dong Quai
Estrogen
Molasses
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by akebia
Abdominal PainArthritis
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Congestion
Cuts
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Inflammation
Injuries
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Menstruation (scant)
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Skin (infections)
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urination (frequent)
Urine (scant)
Wounds and Sores