Evidence supporting the use of: Polygonatum (unspecified)
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Polygonatum, commonly known as Solomon’s Seal, has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, species like Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum (known as “Yu Zhu” or “Huang Jing”) have been used as tonics believed to nourish Yin, moisten dryness, and alleviate symptoms related to lung deficiency, such as dry or irritating coughs, including spastic coughs. Ancient texts and modern TCM pharmacopeias mention its use in treating dry lungs and chronic coughs, particularly when accompanied by symptoms of throat dryness or irritation.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Most available evidence consists of in vitro studies showing anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects and some animal studies suggesting potential benefits for lung health. There is a lack of high-quality clinical studies directly linking Polygonatum to relief of spastic cough in humans. Thus, its use for this indication is supported primarily by traditional practice rather than robust clinical data. The extent of traditional documentation and its inclusion in classical herbal formulas account for a moderate evidence rating for tradition, but insufficient for scientific validation.
More about Polygonatum (unspecified)
More about Cough (spastic)
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
pear
platycodon root
plum fruit
pomegranate
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
prickly ash
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
juniper berries
dodder
sweet flag
eucalyptus
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
acacia
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Allyl Sulfide
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bayleaf
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cnidium
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Ephedrine
Galangal
Ivy
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Polygonatum (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAnemia
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (sinus)
Heart (weakness)
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome