Evidence supporting the use of: Glehnia littoralis
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Glehnia littoralis, known as "bei sha shen" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use to support the health of mucus membranes, particularly those of the respiratory and digestive tracts. In TCM, it is considered to "nourish the lung yin" and "generate fluids," which corresponds to moistening and protecting mucosal tissues. It is commonly prescribed for symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat, and dry mouth—conditions linked to dryness or irritation of the mucus membranes. Historical medical texts and materia medica, such as the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), document its use for these purposes.
Modern pharmacological studies have begun to investigate Glehnia littoralis and identified compounds such as coumarins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, while some laboratory and animal studies suggest potential benefits in soothing irritation and modulating immune responses, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. The majority of support for its use in maintaining mucus membrane health comes from tradition and empirical application in herbal medicine rather than from high-quality clinical trials.
In summary, the use of Glehnia littoralis for supporting the mucus membranes is primarily justified by traditional use, with some preliminary scientific exploration but lacking strong clinical validation.
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 Glehnia littoralis
BronchialsDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Spleen
Stomach