Evidence supporting the use of: Platycodon root
For the health condition: Sore Throat

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Platycodon root, also known as Platycodon grandiflorus or "jie geng" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for treating sore throat and related respiratory conditions. In TCM, it is believed to "open up the lung qi," expel phlegm, and relieve throat discomfort. Historical texts, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), document its application for ailments characterized by cough, hoarseness, and sore throat. The root is commonly found in classical herbal formulas aimed at alleviating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including sore throat and cough. Modern pharmacological studies have identified several bioactive constituents in Platycodon root, such as saponins (notably platycodin D), flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which may possess anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antimicrobial properties. Some in vitro and animal studies have shown that extracts from the root can reduce inflammation and inhibit certain pathogens associated with sore throat. However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited, with only a few small-scale trials and most data deriving from traditional use and preclinical research. Overall, while there is a strong traditional foundation for the use of Platycodon root in treating sore throat, and some preliminary scientific findings support its potential efficacy, the evidence is not robust enough to assign it a high scientific rating. Its use remains primarily justified by historical and empirical practice rather than modern clinical validation.

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