Evidence supporting the use of: Anemarrhena asphodeloides
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

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

Anemarrhena asphodeloides, known as Zhimu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for conditions associated with menopause, particularly symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability. In TCM, it is considered to "clear heat" and "nourish yin," which aligns with the TCM understanding of menopausal symptoms as stemming from yin deficiency and excess internal heat. Classic TCM formulas for menopausal complaints, such as Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, often contain Anemarrhena asphodeloides as a key ingredient.

However, scientific validation for its effectiveness specifically in menopause is limited. Some laboratory studies indicate that extracts of Anemarrhena asphodeloides contain steroidal saponins (such as timosaponin) and other compounds with potential estrogen-like or anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical trials in menopausal women are lacking or of low quality. Most available evidence supporting its use for menopause is based on centuries of traditional use and practitioner experience rather than robust human clinical data. Therefore, while it is widely used in TCM for menopausal support, this use is justified primarily by tradition, with only preliminary scientific rationale but insufficient clinical validation.

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