Synopsis

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

Cnidium (Cnidium monnieri), known as "She Chuang Zi" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal practices. While it is most commonly employed for dermatological issues, sexual health, and as an anti-parasitic, there are also references in some TCM pharmacopeias and classical texts to its application in treating coughs, particularly those described as "spastic" or associated with bronchospasm. In these contexts, Cnidium seeds are sometimes included in multi-herb formulations intended to "dispel wind," "dry dampness," or "relieve cough and asthma." However, these uses are based primarily on historical practice and empirical observation rather than rigorous scientific validation.

Modern pharmacological studies on Cnidium have focused largely on its coumarin compounds, such as osthole, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects in vitro and in animal models. Nevertheless, there is a lack of direct clinical evidence or controlled trials demonstrating efficacy specifically for spastic cough in humans. Therefore, while traditional evidence for its use in this context exists, it is limited and should be interpreted with caution. The overall support for using Cnidium to treat or support spastic cough is based mainly on historical precedent rather than robust scientific data.

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