Synopsis

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

Platycodon grandiflorus, commonly known as balloon flower, has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese herbal practices. Traditionally, its root (Platycodi Radix, Jie Geng in Chinese medicine) has been used to treat respiratory ailments, including cough, sore throat, and conditions involving phlegm. Its use for "wind-heat" or "wind-cold" invasions—concepts in traditional Chinese medicine that roughly correspond to the common cold or influenza-like illnesses—stems from centuries of empirical application rather than rigorous scientific validation. The root is often included in multi-herb formulations prescribed for cold and flu symptoms. Modern scientific studies on Platycodon’s direct effects against influenza are limited and mostly preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and expectorant effects, which could theoretically alleviate flu symptoms, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most evidence for its use in influenza remains anecdotal or based on traditional practice rather than clinical efficacy studies. Therefore, while Platycodon continues to be used in traditional medicine for flu-like illnesses, its use is primarily justified by historical precedent, with only limited and indirect scientific support for its effectiveness.

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