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

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Synopsis

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

Phragmites australis, commonly known as common reed, has a history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia, for conditions affecting the urinary tract. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the rhizome of Phragmites (known as "Lu Gen") is used to "clear heat" and "promote urination," with applications for treating symptoms such as difficult urination, urinary tract discomfort, and even urinary tract infections (UTIs). Preparations often involve decoctions or infusions of the rhizome and are typically combined with other herbs. However, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating UTIs is limited. Some in vitro studies have suggested mild antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, or diuretic activities of Phragmites extracts, but these are preliminary and have not translated into robust clinical data. No high-quality clinical trials have demonstrated clear effectiveness of Phragmites for UTIs in humans, and its use in this context remains largely based on tradition rather than on modern scientific evidence. Therefore, while Phragmites is traditionally used for urinary tract conditions, including infections, its use for this purpose is not well-supported by strong scientific evidence. Clinicians and patients should be cautious and not rely on Phragmites as a primary treatment for UTIs, given the lack of rigorous clinical validation.

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