Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Smilax
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

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

Chinese Smilax (Smilax glabra), also known as Tu Fu Ling in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for a variety of ailments, including conditions affecting the urinary tract. In TCM, Smilax glabra is believed to "clear heat" and "eliminate dampness," concepts associated with infections and inflammation, including those of the urinary tract. Its use for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is primarily based on these traditional indications, where it is often part of multi-herb formulations aimed at alleviating symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, and urinary discomfort.

Scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Chinese Smilax for UTIs is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties of Smilax glabra extracts, but these findings have not been confirmed in well-designed human clinical trials specifically targeting urinary tract infections. As such, while the herb is commonly used in traditional practice for urinary problems, its efficacy for UTIs has not been validated by modern research, and the overall quality of evidence remains low (rated 2/5). More rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish any definitive benefit for this indication.

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