Evidence supporting the use of: Trichosanthes
For the health condition: Chest Pain

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Synopsis

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

Trichosanthes species, particularly Trichosanthes kirilowii (commonly known as “gua lou”), have a long-standing use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the management of chest pain, often described as “xiong bi” (chest impediment). In TCM, chest pain is believed to arise from the obstruction of qi and blood flow in the chest, frequently attributed to phlegm accumulation. Trichosanthes fruit and root are included in classical herbal formulas such as Gua Lou Xie Bai Ban Xia Tang, which is prescribed for symptoms corresponding to angina pectoris in modern medical terms. The herb is traditionally credited with functions such as clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and opening the chest.

Modern pharmacological studies provide some support for Trichosanthes' traditional use, showing that its extracts may have vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic effects in animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most of the evidence remains preclinical or anecdotal. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews often cite methodological weaknesses in existing studies. Thus, while the use of Trichosanthes for chest pain is primarily justified by centuries of traditional practice, and there are plausible mechanisms suggested by laboratory research, high-quality scientific validation remains limited, resulting in a moderate evidence rating.

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