Evidence supporting the use of: Cyathula
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cyathula, particularly Cyathula prostrata and Cyathula officinalis, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially within Chinese and African ethnomedicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cyathula officinalis (commonly called "Chuan Niu Xi") is well-known for its use in promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and alleviating pain, including menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). The root is often included in herbal formulas intended to relieve menstrual disorders, irregular menstruation, and abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea. Similarly, in some West African traditional medicine practices, Cyathula prostrata is used for similar gynecological complaints.
However, while traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains limited. There are a handful of preclinical studies suggesting anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in extracts of Cyathula species, which might support its role in pain relief. Some animal studies have demonstrated uterine relaxation and pain reduction, but rigorous clinical trials in humans focusing specifically on dysmenorrhea are lacking. As such, the evidence supporting its efficacy for dysmenorrhea is largely traditional, with only modest support from preclinical research. Overall, its use for this condition is justified primarily by traditional knowledge rather than robust scientific proof.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Cyathula
Abdominal PainAfterbirth Pain
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood Poisoning
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation
Injuries
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Labor and Delivery
Leucorrhea
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue