Evidence supporting the use of: Rehmannia
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rehmannia glutinosa has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is commonly included in herbal formulas intended to support the adrenal system, particularly for what TCM describes as "Kidney Yin deficiency." The concept of "Kidney" in TCM is often broadly interpreted to include several endocrine functions, including those of the adrenal glands. Classical formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, both containing Rehmannia, have traditionally been used to address symptoms associated with fatigue, weakness, and hormonal imbalances—conditions some modern practitioners associate with adrenal health or "adrenal fatigue." However, the translation of these traditional uses to direct adrenal cortex support remains inferential. There are very limited scientific studies specifically investigating Rehmannia's effect on human adrenal function or physiology. Some animal studies have suggested potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but direct evidence for adrenal cortex support is lacking. As a result, Rehmannia’s use for supporting the adrenal cortex is justified primarily by tradition and TCM theory rather than rigorous scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects strong traditional use but limited direct scientific support for this specific application.
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