Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese mountain ant
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)

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Synopsis

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

Chinese Mountain Ant (Polyrhachis vicina), known as "Shan Zhe Chong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long-standing history of use as a tonic for vitality and physical strength. Historically, it has been prized as a "superior tonic" in Chinese herbal tradition and is believed to support overall energy, resilience, and muscle strength. In classic TCM texts and folk medicine, preparations containing mountain ant are sometimes recommended to address conditions characterized by fatigue, weakness, and even poor muscle tone, particularly in the elderly or those recovering from illness. The rationale is based on the ant's reputed ability to "replenish Qi" and "strengthen bones and tendons."

However, direct scientific studies evaluating Chinese Mountain Ant specifically for the treatment or support of muscle tone (hypotonia) are extremely limited. While some laboratory studies have examined its potential immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, and anti-fatigue effects, these do not directly equate to improvements in muscle tone. The evidence for its use in this regard is therefore primarily traditional, with only indirect support from scientific research relating to general vitality and endurance rather than specific muscle tone enhancement. No high-quality clinical trials currently validate its efficacy for this condition.

Thus, while Chinese Mountain Ant is traditionally used to support muscular strength and tone, this application is not strongly supported by modern scientific evidence.

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