Akebia, particularly Akebia quinata (commonly known as "Mu Tong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine for promoting urination and relieving conditions such as scanty urine (oliguria). Traditional Chinese medical texts describe Akebia as a "diuretic" herb, commonly included in formulas to "clear heat" and "drain dampness" from the urinary tract. These traditional uses are documented in classic materia medica such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and are still referenced in modern TCM practice.

The traditional mechanism attributed to Akebia is its ability to promote urine flow and alleviate discomfort associated with urination. It is often prescribed in combination with other herbs for urinary tract infections, edema, and dysuria (painful or difficult urination). However, while there are some phytochemical studies identifying compounds like saponins and triterpenoids in Akebia species, robust scientific validation for its efficacy and safety in treating scant urine is limited. Few clinical studies exist, and those available are generally of low methodological quality or are animal-based.

In summary, the use of Akebia to support or treat scant urine is primarily rooted in traditional use, with only limited preclinical scientific exploration and little to no high-quality clinical evidence to support its effectiveness for this condition.