Evidence supporting the use of: Five-leaf akebia
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

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

Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata), also called chocolate vine, has a longstanding history in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly within Chinese herbal practice. It is known as "Mu Tong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is often included in herbal formulas aimed at promoting urination and clearing heat, which are TCM concepts sometimes associated with urinary tract symptoms. TCM practitioners have historically used Mu Tong for conditions described as "damp-heat" in the urinary tract, which may overlap with symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) as understood in Western medicine. The herb is believed to have diuretic effects and is thought to facilitate the flow of urine, thereby helping to "clear heat" and "relieve toxicity." However, the rationale for its use is primarily based on traditional concepts and empirical use rather than modern biomedical evidence.

Scientific studies specifically investigating Five-leaf akebia's efficacy for UTIs in humans are lacking, and most available research is limited to in vitro studies or animal experiments, which are insufficient to confirm clinical effectiveness. There is also a need for caution, as some species traditionally used as Mu Tong (such as Aristolochia) have been found to contain toxic compounds, though Akebia quinata itself does not. In summary, while Five-leaf akebia is traditionally used for urinary issues, there is minimal direct scientific evidence supporting its use for treating or preventing urinary tract infections.

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