Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Euphorbia, a large genus of plants commonly known as spurge, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In these systems, various Euphorbia species have been used to address respiratory ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, and occasionally symptoms that may overlap with emphysema, such as chronic cough and shortness of breath. The plant’s latex and extracts have been administered for their purported expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory effects. However, the use of Euphorbia specifically for emphysema is based on traditional or folk practices rather than robust clinical evidence.

Current scientific studies on Euphorbia focus mainly on its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials supporting its efficacy or safety in treating emphysema, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by alveolar destruction. The potential toxicity of Euphorbia species, especially due to their irritant latex, also raises safety concerns. In summary, Euphorbia’s use for emphysema is primarily justified by traditional use, with scant scientific validation and limited evidence base.

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