Evidence supporting the use of: Adenophora
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Adenophora, commonly known as "Ladybell" or "Sha Shen" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for supporting the health of the mucus membranes, particularly in the respiratory and digestive systems. In TCM, Adenophora root is used to "moisten the lungs" and "nourish yin," which correlates with relieving dryness and soothing irritation of the mucous membranes. It is often prescribed for symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat, and hoarseness, conditions believed to be associated with dryness or heat affecting the lungs and throat.
The traditional use is documented in classic herbal texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and is still common in contemporary Chinese herbal formulas. The root is sometimes combined with other herbs like Glehnia root for synergistic effects.
Modern scientific research on Adenophora's direct effects on mucus membranes is limited. Some pharmacological studies suggest that it contains saponins and polysaccharides that may have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties, which could theoretically support mucosal health. However, these studies are preliminary, often in vitro or animal-based, and not yet robust enough to provide strong scientific validation.
In summary, the use of Adenophora for supporting mucus membrane health is primarily justified by traditional practice, with limited early scientific investigation supporting its traditional uses.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Ellagitannin
Flavonones
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
Mallow
Mimosa
Rose
Other body systems supported by Adenophora
BronchialsDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Spleen
Stomach