The use of Barleria species—most notably Barleria prionitis—for respiratory ailments, including symptoms similar to emphysema, is primarily based on traditional and ethnobotanical practices. In Ayurvedic and folk medicine, Barleria has been used to relieve coughs, asthma, and other respiratory complaints, which may overlap symptomatically with emphysema. However, explicit documentation of Barleria being used specifically for emphysema is sparse, and the condition itself is a modern clinical diagnosis, so traditional references may only relate to symptom clusters (such as chronic cough or breathlessness).

Scientific studies on Barleria focus mainly on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Some animal studies have suggested that Barleria extracts can reduce airway inflammation or support respiratory function, but these are mostly in models of asthma or general lung injury, not emphysema specifically. There is no robust clinical trial evidence demonstrating efficacy for emphysema, and no widely accepted mechanism of action for Barleria in this condition.

Therefore, the use of Barleria for emphysema is primarily justified by tradition and limited symptom overlap, rather than by direct scientific validation. The overall quality and quantity of evidence supporting its use for emphysema is low (rated 1/5), and further research would be required to establish any meaningful clinical benefit.