Synopsis

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

Isatis (Isatis tinctoria, commonly known as woad or by its Chinese name, Ban Lan Gen) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for the treatment of colds, influenza, and other febrile illnesses. In TCM, Isatis root is believed to "clear heat" and "resolve toxicity," making it a common ingredient in herbal formulations aimed at managing symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, including fever, sore throat, and general malaise. The traditional use is well-documented in classical TCM texts and continues to be popular in China and other East Asian countries.

Regarding scientific evidence, several in vitro and animal studies have indicated that Isatis extracts may have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and the available studies tend to be small or methodologically weak, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about efficacy. Systematic reviews generally conclude that while there is promise, current scientific data is insufficient to fully validate its effectiveness for treating colds with fever. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily justified by tradition, with some preliminary but inconclusive scientific support.

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