Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Goldthread
For the health condition: Adenitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese Goldthread (Coptis chinensis), known as "Huang Lian" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is primarily used based on traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation for adenitis (inflammation of lymph nodes). In TCM, Goldthread is considered a potent herb for 'clearing heat' and 'resolving toxicity,' which conceptually includes treating swellings and inflammatory conditions such as adenitis. Its main active compound, berberine, is known for broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies, but direct clinical evidence for its efficacy in adenitis is lacking.
Historical TCM texts cite Huang Lian in multi-herb formulas for conditions involving 'toxic heat' manifesting as swollen glands or abscesses, consistent with some forms of adenitis. However, these uses are largely based on empirical tradition, and the herb is rarely used alone but rather in combination with others. Modern pharmacological research supports antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of Goldthread extracts, but clinical studies specifically addressing adenitis are absent. Thus, the use of Chinese Goldthread for adenitis is justified by tradition, with only indirect pharmacological rationale and no high-quality clinical trials confirming its effectiveness for this indication.
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Goldthread
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Adenitis
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Appetite (deficient)
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Blood Poisoning
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholera
Circulation (poor)
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Enteritis
Eye Infections
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Gout
Hangover