Evidence supporting the use of: Momordica (unspecified)
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Momordica, a genus that includes species such as Momordica charantia (bitter melon), is primarily used in traditional systems of medicine, especially within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, "Spleen" does not refer strictly to the anatomical spleen but to a broader concept related to digestion, nutrient assimilation, and energy production. Momordica species, particularly bitter melon, are considered to have properties that "clear heat" and "resolve toxins," and are sometimes used to support Spleen function when there is "dampness" or digestive sluggishness. Historical texts and herbal compendia include references to its use for digestive complaints, loss of appetite, or gastrointestinal discomfort, which are considered Spleen-related in TCM theory. However, there is limited high-quality clinical evidence directly linking Momordica use to measurable improvements in spleen function, either as defined in Western medicine or TCM. Most modern scientific research focuses on its hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory effects, rather than on the Spleen system per se. Thus, its use for Spleen support is mainly justified by tradition, with some indirect support from studies on gastrointestinal effects.
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grape
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knotweed
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kelp
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
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liquid liver fractions
luteolin
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pomegranate
pumpkin
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seaweed
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mulberry
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jiaogulan
chickweed
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tangerine
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atractylodes
mugwort
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
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bee pollen
peony
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root tuber
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dioscorea
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lotus seed
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oriental arborvitae
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trace minerals
coix
wheat germ
noni
millet seed
algae
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Alpha Glucans
Agastache
Anamarrhena
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Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Abrus
Amomum
Albizia
Andrographolide
Asam gelugor
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Adenophora
Artemisia Anomala
Anemarrhena
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Atractylone
Animal protein
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
bergenin
Breadnut
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bok Choy
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Bael
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Cumin
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Calycosin
Coriolus mushroom
Combretum quadrangulare
Codonopsis
Capillary Artemisia
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Curcumen
Capers
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
Carob
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Chinese Thoroughwax
Cephalotaxus sinensis
Ceanothus integerrimus
Chebulinic acid
Costus
Cynanchum
Danshen
Dendrobium
Dolichos
Deoxyandrographolides
Dulse
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eggplant
Egg
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Elkweed
Emodin
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Flavonoids
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Goldthread
Garlic
Lotus
Orchid
Sumac
walnut
Other body systems supported by Momordica (unspecified)
BloodDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Pancreas Head
Respiratory System
Skin
Spleen
Stomach
Urinary System