Synopsis

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

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula), also known as "Dang Shen," is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has a long history of use as a tonic herb, often considered a gentler alternative to ginseng. In TCM, Codonopsis is believed to tonify the "Qi" (vital energy), strengthen the spleen and lungs, and is commonly included in herbal formulas for conditions characterized by fatigue, poor appetite, and chronic respiratory issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). The rationale in traditional use is to "support lung function" and increase vitality in patients with chronic lung diseases, though the terminology and conceptual framework differ from modern biomedical understanding of COPD.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited clinical research specifically evaluating the effects of Codonopsis in COPD patients. Some laboratory and animal studies have suggested that Codonopsis extracts may have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically be beneficial in chronic respiratory diseases. However, rigorous human clinical trials are lacking, and no major guidelines recommend its use. Thus, its use for COPD is justified primarily by traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence.

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