Evidence supporting the use of: Codonopsis
For the health condition: Wasting

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Synopsis

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

Codonopsis pilosula, commonly known as Dang Shen, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support individuals suffering from "wasting" conditions, often characterized by fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, and general debility. In classical TCM texts, Codonopsis is described as a gentle Qi tonic, often substituted for or combined with Panax ginseng, to strengthen the spleen and lungs and to aid recovery from chronic illness, convalescence, or wasting diseases.

Historically, Codonopsis has been used in herbal formulas designed to "tonify Qi" and address symptoms associated with chronic wasting—such as loss of body weight, muscle atrophy, and lack of energy. These symptoms were interpreted in TCM as a deficiency of vital energy, particularly of the spleen and lung systems. Codonopsis is believed to restore strength, improve digestion, and enhance the body's resistance to illness.

While modern pharmacological studies have investigated some of Codonopsis’s effects—such as immunomodulatory and anti-fatigue properties—robust clinical evidence specifically supporting its use for wasting syndromes or cachexia is limited. Most of the support for Codonopsis in this context derives from historical and traditional use rather than rigorous scientific validation. Therefore, the evidence rating is moderate based on tradition but not strongly supported by modern clinical trials.

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