Evidence supporting the use of: Platycodon root
For the health condition: Pneumonia

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Synopsis

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

Platycodon root (Platycodon grandiflorus), known as "jie geng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for respiratory ailments, including conditions like pneumonia. In TCM, platycodon root is believed to "open up the lungs," expel phlegm, and relieve coughs, making it a common ingredient in herbal formulas for bronchitis, sore throat, and pneumonia. Historical medical texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), mention its use for symptoms associated with lung infections. Its traditional use focuses on its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are thought to help clear respiratory passages and improve breathing. Modern scientific studies have identified some bioactive compounds in platycodon root, such as saponins, which may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, clinical evidence specifically for pneumonia is limited. Most studies are small, preclinical (animal or cell-based), or focus on general respiratory health rather than pneumonia itself. No large-scale, high-quality clinical trials have conclusively validated its efficacy for treating pneumonia. Thus, while platycodon root continues to be used in traditional practices for pneumonia, its use for this condition is supported mainly by historical precedent rather than robust scientific evidence.

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