Synopsis

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

Cornus, particularly Cornus officinalis (commonly known as Asiatic dogwood or shanzhuyu), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support the urinary system, especially in the context of kidney and bladder health. In TCM, Cornus officinalis fruit is considered a key herb for "tonifying the kidneys and liver," stabilizing "essence" (jing), and helping to manage symptoms such as frequent urination, incontinence, and nocturnal emission. The fruit is often included in herbal formulas designed to address lower back pain, urinary leakage, and other symptoms associated with what TCM describes as "kidney deficiency." Historical texts such as the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" and subsequent materia medica highlight its roles in these applications.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited evidence supporting the use of Cornus for urinary system health. Some modern pharmacological studies have identified antioxidants, iridoid glycosides (like loganin and morroniside), and other bioactive compounds in Cornus officinalis that may confer renal protective effects in animal models. However, these studies are preliminary, and clinical evidence in humans is lacking. As such, the primary justification for using Cornus to support the urinary system remains traditional, with some suggestive but not conclusive scientific interest.

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