Synopsis

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

Codonopsis pilosula (commonly known as Dang Shen) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), especially for supporting individuals during convalescence—the process of recovering after illness. In TCM, Codonopsis is considered a "Qi tonic," believed to strengthen the body's vital energy (Qi), improve appetite, and aid recovery from fatigue and weakness. Historical texts and modern TCM practices frequently recommend Codonopsis as a milder, more accessible alternative to Panax ginseng for individuals who are debilitated or in the process of regaining strength following chronic illness or prolonged disease.

While there are some preclinical studies suggesting Codonopsis may have immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, and adaptogenic effects, the evidence from clinical trials in humans remains limited and of generally low quality. Most support for its use during convalescence is derived from traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific validation. Thus, Codonopsis is primarily justified as a convalescence aid by tradition, with some low-level supporting evidence from animal and in vitro studies, but little high-quality clinical data to confirm its efficacy for this specific indication.

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