Evidence supporting the use of: Cordyceps
For the health condition: Nephritis

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Synopsis

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

Cordyceps, particularly Cordyceps sinensis, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for supporting kidney health, including the treatment of nephritis. In TCM, Cordyceps is believed to "tonify the kidney and lung" and to restore balance to vital energy, or "qi." Historically, it has been prescribed for symptoms that TCM associates with kidney dysfunction, such as fatigue, edema, and frequent urination. The use of Cordyceps for nephritis is primarily based on these traditional beliefs and empirical observations rather than on rigorous scientific studies.

Modern research on Cordyceps and nephritis is limited, but some animal studies and small-scale clinical trials suggest potential renal protective effects. These studies indicate that Cordyceps may reduce proteinuria, improve kidney function markers, and exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which could be beneficial in nephritis. However, these findings are preliminary, often lack robust methodology, and have not yet been confirmed in large, high-quality human trials. Thus, while Cordyceps continues to be used for nephritis in traditional practice, scientific validation remains limited, and its efficacy and safety for this condition have not been conclusively established.

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