Evidence supporting the use of: Bok Choy
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) is traditionally used in Chinese cuisine and medicine, where it is often associated with supporting the Spleen system according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the Spleen is considered a key organ responsible for transforming food into energy (Qi) and blood. Foods like Bok Choy, which are classified as "sweet" and "neutral" in nature, are believed to tonify the Spleen, aid digestion, and promote overall balance. There is a long-standing tradition of recommending Bok Choy and similar leafy greens for individuals with Spleen Qi deficiency symptoms such as fatigue, poor appetite, or digestive complaints. From a scientific perspective, Bok Choy is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins (such as vitamin C, K, and A), minerals, and antioxidants, which contribute to general health. However, there is no direct scientific evidence linking Bok Choy to specific support of the anatomical or physiological spleen as understood in Western medicine, nor are there clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy for spleen-related diseases. The association remains primarily rooted in TCM theory and practice, rather than scientific validation. Thus, the use of Bok Choy for supporting the Spleen is justified by tradition, and scientific evidence supporting this specific application is lacking.
Other ingredients that support Spleen
green chirettaapple
apricot
artichoke
astragalus
myrobalan
Beta-Glucan
black garlic
blackberry
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
rice
bupleurum falcatum
catechins
catjang cowpea
cauliflower
chaga mushroom
chamomile
chen pi
collard
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dyer’s woad root
eleuthero
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gardenia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
grape
onion
green tea
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
jujube
kale
kelp
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maitake mushroom
mango
mangosteen
moringa
oleanolic acid
ophiopogon root
orange
parsley
perilla
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quinoa
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spinach
strawberry
triphala
almond fruit
turkey tail mushroom
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
seaweed
water
mulberry
red clover
jiaogulan
chickweed
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
mugwort
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
swertia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
morus
root tuber
silk tree
flowering quince
dioscorea
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
trace minerals
coix
wheat germ
noni
millet seed
algae
ashitaba
Aralia
Alpha Glucans
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ankaflavin
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Abrus
Amomum
Albizia
Andrographolide
Asam gelugor
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Adenophora
Artemisia Anomala
Anemarrhena
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Atractylone
Animal protein
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
bergenin
Breadnut
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bok Choy
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Bael
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Cumin
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Calycosin
Coriolus mushroom
Combretum quadrangulare
Codonopsis
Capillary Artemisia
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cruciferous
Curcumen
Capers
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
Carob
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Chinese Thoroughwax
Cephalotaxus sinensis
Ceanothus integerrimus
Chebulinic acid
Costus
Cynanchum
Danshen
Dendrobium
Dolichos
Deoxyandrographolides
Dulse
Erodium cicutarium
eggplant
Egg
Euryale seed
Emblicanin
Elkweed
Emodin
Enokitake
Fruit
Flueggea suffruticosa
Flavonoids
Fo-Ti
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Ficus simplicissima
Flammulina velutipes
Flavones
Glehnia littoralis
Goldthread
Ginsenosides
Gnaphalium
Glucan peptides
Garlic
Gardenia jasminoides
Glycyrrhizin
Gentiana manshurica
Lotus
Orchid
Sumac
walnut
Other body systems supported by Bok Choy
ArteriesDigestive System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Lungs
Spleen
Stomach