Evidence supporting the use of: Fritillaria
For the body system: Sinuses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fritillaria, particularly the bulbs of Fritillaria cirrhosa and related species, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting the respiratory system, including the sinuses. In TCM, fritillaria (known as "Chuan Bei Mu") is often prescribed to help "transform phlegm," "moisten the lungs," and alleviate coughs associated with thick or sticky mucus—symptoms that can overlap with sinus congestion.
While this traditional use is well documented in classical texts and continues in modern herbal practice, scientific evidence supporting fritillaria specifically for sinus health is limited. Some studies have identified that fritillaria bulbs contain alkaloids such as peimine and peiminine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-suppressing), and expectorant effects in laboratory models. These properties could, in theory, help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract congestion, potentially benefiting the sinuses.
However, most clinical research has focused on cough and bronchitis rather than sinusitis, and high-quality human trials are lacking. Therefore, while fritillaria is traditionally used to support the sinuses and related respiratory concerns, there is insufficient scientific validation to strongly endorse its use specifically for sinus support. Its use for this purpose remains rooted in traditional practice rather than robust modern clinical evidence.
Other ingredients that support Sinuses
alpha-pinenebasil
bayberry
radish
bromelain
chamomile
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
lactobacillus salivarius
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
mint
spruce
oregano
peppermint oil
perilla
pineapple
plantain
platycodon root
purple butterbur root
quercetin
sage
schizonepeta
serratiopeptidase
thyme
vitamin C
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
boneset
mullein
catnip
xanthium (cockleburs)
lobelia
capsicum
malabar nut
anise
tylophora
lingzhi
yarrow
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
sodium salt
coltsfoot
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
wood betony
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Boswellia
Butterbur
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Balloon Flower
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Centipeda
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cocklebur
European Elder
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Goldthread
Garlic
Other body systems supported by fritillaria
BronchialsImmune System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses