Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Polypodium species, particularly Polypodium vulgare (common polypody), have a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for digestive complaints, including dyspepsia. Historical sources from the Middle Ages and Renaissance reference the use of polypody rhizome as a mild laxative, cholagogue (stimulating bile flow), and general digestive aid. The plant’s sweet-tasting rhizome contains saponins, glycosides, and other compounds believed to have gentle stimulating effects on the digestive tract. However, while these traditional uses are well-documented in herbal texts, there is minimal modern scientific research directly investigating the efficacy of Polypodium for dyspepsia. No high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically address its impact on dyspeptic symptoms. Thus, the evidence supporting its use for dyspepsia is grounded in historical practice rather than modern validation. Its current use for this indication persists mainly in folk and traditional herbal medicine, and any benefits should be considered anecdotal and not scientifically proven.

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Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia

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