Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Fritillary, specifically the bulbs of Fritillaria cirrhosa and related species (known as "Chuan Bei Mu" in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has been used for centuries in East Asian herbal medicine to treat respiratory conditions, particularly dry coughs. Classical texts such as the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) describe its use for "moistening the lungs" and "dissolving phlegm," targeting symptoms like dry, unproductive coughs and throat irritation. Traditional formulations often combine Fritillary with other herbs (e.g., Loquat leaf, Licorice) to enhance its effects.

Modern pharmacological studies have identified certain alkaloids in Fritillary (such as peimine and peiminine) that exhibit antitussive (cough-suppressing), expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. However, high-quality human clinical trials are limited, and most evidence for its efficacy in treating dry cough comes from its long and consistent use in traditional practice and smaller-scale studies. Given this, the primary justification for its use is traditional, though there is some preliminary pharmacological support for its traditional indications.

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