Synopsis

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

Stemona species, particularly Stemona japonica and Stemona tuberosa, have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cough and other respiratory ailments. The roots, known as "Bai Bu" in Chinese, are commonly included in herbal formulations aimed at alleviating cough, whether dry or productive, due to their reputed antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties. Historical texts and pharmacopoeias, such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, document their use spanning centuries.

In terms of scientific validation, some preclinical studies (primarily in vitro and animal models) have demonstrated that extracts and alkaloids from Stemona roots exhibit antitussive effects, likely via modulation of the central nervous system or effects on the respiratory tract mucosa. For instance, compounds like stemonine and tuberostemonine have shown cough-suppressing activity in animal models. However, rigorous clinical trials in humans are very limited, and the quality of available evidence is not high.

Therefore, while the use of Stemona for cough is primarily justified by traditional practice, there is some preliminary pharmacological research supporting its traditional role, though not at a level that would be considered robust scientific evidence.

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