Evidence supporting the use of: Placenta
For the health condition: Bleeding (internal)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Placenta has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to support the treatment of internal bleeding. In TCM, human placenta (known as zi he che) is considered a tonic that nourishes the blood and is sometimes used in formulas for conditions involving blood loss or weakness due to hemorrhage. The use of placenta for bleeding is documented in classical texts, where it is believed to help replenish lost blood and promote recovery after childbirth or injury. Preparations are typically dried and powdered, then included in herbal formulas.
However, scientific validation for the effectiveness of placenta in treating internal bleeding is minimal. There are few, if any, modern clinical trials or pharmacological studies that directly assess its hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) properties in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on historical usage rather than rigorous research. Some animal studies suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in placenta, but these findings have not translated into clear recommendations for use in bleeding control in evidence-based medicine. As such, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific support remains limited.