Evidence supporting the use of: Condonopsis
For the body system: Adrenal Glands

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Synopsis

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

Codonopsis (often spelled as "Condonopsis" in error; the correct botanical name is Codonopsis pilosula), also known as Dang Shen, is a traditional herb widely used in Chinese medicine. Its use to support the adrenal glands is rooted in traditional practice rather than scientific validation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Codonopsis is considered a "Qi tonic," thought to help with energy, fatigue, and stress, which are symptoms often associated with adrenal dysfunction in Western herbal discourse. However, TCM does not specifically refer to the "adrenal glands" as understood in Western medicine.

Scientific studies on Codonopsis focus primarily on its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fatigue properties. While some animal and in vitro studies have shown that extracts of Codonopsis may influence stress markers or show adaptogenic-like effects, there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials directly evaluating its impact on adrenal gland function or cortisol regulation in humans. Thus, its use to support adrenal health in the Western sense is extrapolated from its traditional role as a general tonic for fatigue and weakness, not from direct scientific evidence concerning adrenal physiology.

In summary, Codonopsis is used to support the adrenal glands based on its historical reputation as a restorative tonic in traditional medicine, not due to robust scientific validation of adrenal-specific effects.

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