Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese mountain ant
For the health condition: Rhinitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Chinese Mountain Ant (Polyrhachis vicina), commonly referred to as "mountain ant" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for various health conditions, primarily as a general tonic, to improve vitality, boost immunity, and support joint health. Traditional TCM texts do not specifically identify mountain ant as a treatment for rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa, often associated with allergies or infections). However, some modern practitioners and commercial supplements in East Asia have extrapolated its reputed immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties as potentially beneficial for allergic or chronic rhinitis.
Scientific evidence directly supporting the use of Chinese Mountain Ant for rhinitis is extremely limited. Most available studies on P. vicina focus on its nutritional content (rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements) and its potential immunomodulatory effects in animal models. While there are anecdotal reports and some in vitro studies suggesting anti-inflammatory or immune-boosting effects, there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for rhinitis specifically.
In summary, the application of Chinese Mountain Ant for rhinitis is based more on traditional use for general immune support rather than specific historical or scientific evidence targeting rhinitis. The overall quality and quantity of supporting evidence for this indication are low.
Other ingredients used for Rhinitis
alpha-pinenebenegut perilla (proprietary)
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium lactis
black currant
black pepper
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
chamomile
fennel
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lovage
magnesium
purple butterbur root
quercetin
vitamin C
Zinc
cardamom
malabar nut
inula racemosa
anise
Tylophora
Anamarrhena
Asarum heterotropoides
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bryonia
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bifidobacterium animalis
Belamcanda
Chinese mountain ant
cineole
Cinidium
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Ephedra
European Elder
Elder
fang-feng
goldthread
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
Houttuynia
honey loquat syrup
Ledebouriella
linden
Orris
Pinellia ternata
Petasines
Platycodon
Phleum pratense
ragweed
ravinsara
Sabadilla
Sweet Bay
Vladimiria souliei
Other health conditions supported by Chinese mountain ant
ArthritisAsthma
Backache
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Convalescence
Cuts
Diabetes
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gout
Inflammation
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Stress
Wounds and Sores