Evidence supporting the use of: Fritillaria (unspecified)
For the health condition: Wheezing
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Fritillaria, commonly known as "bei mu" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for respiratory conditions, particularly for relieving cough and wheezing. According to classical TCM texts, Fritillaria bulbs (mainly Fritillaria cirrhosa and Fritillaria thunbergii) are considered to "clear heat," "moisten the lungs," and "transform phlegm," making them suitable for symptoms such as chronic cough, bronchitis, and wheezing associated with phlegm and heat. The use of Fritillaria as a remedy for wheezing is well documented in traditional sources and remains common in modern herbal formulations in East Asia.
From a scientific perspective, some laboratory and animal studies have identified alkaloids in Fritillaria species (such as peimine and peiminine) with antitussive (cough-suppressing), anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. These findings provide a plausible mechanism for its traditional use. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating Fritillaria for wheezing or asthma are limited or lacking. Most evidence comes from preclinical studies or traditional use, rather than high-quality human research. Thus, while there is a traditional basis and some pharmacological support for using Fritillaria for wheezing, scientific validation remains incomplete, and the strength of evidence is moderate at best.
Other health conditions supported by Fritillaria (unspecified)
AbscessesAcid Indigestion
Asthma
Bronchitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Influenza
Laryngitis
Pneumonia
Sore Throat
Tuberculosis
Wheezing
Wounds and Sores