Evidence supporting the use of: Platycodon root
For the body system: Mucus Membranes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Platycodon root, also known as Platycodon grandiflorus or "jie geng" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been historically used to support the health of the mucus membranes, particularly those of the respiratory tract. In TCM, it is valued for its ability to "open up the lungs," expel phlegm, and relieve cough and sore throat. The root is commonly included in herbal formulas aimed at soothing and protecting the linings of the throat, bronchi, and sinuses. While there are some modern pharmacological studies indicating that platycodon saponins may have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, most of the evidence supporting its use for mucus membrane health comes from centuries of traditional use rather than robust clinical trials. The scientific validation is limited, largely consisting of in vitro and animal studies demonstrating potential benefits in reducing inflammation and modulating immune responses in airway tissues. However, high-quality human clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the use of platycodon root to support mucus membranes is justified primarily by traditional use, with moderate traditional evidence supporting efficacy, but limited scientific corroboration to date.
Other ingredients that support Mucus Membranes
akkermansia muciniphilaaloe vera
barley
basil
bayberry
beta-carotene
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
broccoli
ceramides
chamomile
citrus bioflavonoids
clove
coating
colostrum
Coptis chinensis
dandelion
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glehnia root
glycerin
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
hypromellose
l-cysteine
l-threonine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
mixed carotenoids
mucin
n-acetyl-glucosamine
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
okra
olive
omega-7 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
oregon grape
pear
perilla
plantain
platycodon root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
raspberry
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rose oil
sage
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
thyme
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
water
xylitol
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
yellow root
boneset
mullein
chickweed
cardamom
lobelia
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
tylophora
yarrow
moss
fritillaria
myrrh
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elecampane
coltsfoot
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
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stillingia
white oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
Agastache
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Arrowroot
Acemannan
Adenophora
Asarabacca
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
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Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Bael
Benzoin
Boswellia
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Butterbur
Bee products
Borage
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calendula
Colloidal Silver
Cod Liver Oil
Carvacrol
Citrus
Cineole
Cornflower
Cajuput
Cantaloupe
Catechu
Centipeda
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Cranesbill
Carotene (unspecified)
Chekiang Fritillary
Collinsonia
Chondrus
Devil's Club
European Elder
English Horsemint
English Elm
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Eucheuma
Elephant's Head
Ellagitannin
Goldthread
Glycosaminoglycans
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Mimosa
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Other body systems supported by platycodon root
BronchialsDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Liver
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Tonsils
Products containing platycodon root
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
Nature's Sunshine Breathe Activator TCM (formerly Breathe E-Z)
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine IF-C
Nature's Sunshine IF-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)