Evidence supporting the use of: Fritillaria
For the body system: Sinuses

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Synopsis

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

Fritillaria, particularly the bulbs of Fritillaria cirrhosa and related species, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting the respiratory system, including the sinuses. In TCM, fritillaria (known as "Chuan Bei Mu") is often prescribed to help "transform phlegm," "moisten the lungs," and alleviate coughs associated with thick or sticky mucus—symptoms that can overlap with sinus congestion.

While this traditional use is well documented in classical texts and continues in modern herbal practice, scientific evidence supporting fritillaria specifically for sinus health is limited. Some studies have identified that fritillaria bulbs contain alkaloids such as peimine and peiminine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-suppressing), and expectorant effects in laboratory models. These properties could, in theory, help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract congestion, potentially benefiting the sinuses.

However, most clinical research has focused on cough and bronchitis rather than sinusitis, and high-quality human trials are lacking. Therefore, while fritillaria is traditionally used to support the sinuses and related respiratory concerns, there is insufficient scientific validation to strongly endorse its use specifically for sinus support. Its use for this purpose remains rooted in traditional practice rather than robust modern clinical evidence.

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