Evidence supporting the use of: Algae (unspecified)
For the body system: Spleen
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Algae, in an unspecified form, have a history of traditional use in various systems of medicine, particularly in East Asian practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, certain types of algae (such as seaweed) are sometimes described as supporting the Spleen, which is viewed as a key organ in digestion and energy production. The use of algae is generally attributed to their nutrient content and perceived ability to resolve phlegm or dampness, which are TCM concepts related to imbalances in the body. However, the rationale is rooted in the traditional energetic and organ theory of TCM rather than in direct anatomical or physiological support as understood in Western medicine.
From a scientific perspective, there is little to no direct evidence linking general algae consumption to specific support for the spleen as an organ in the Western biomedical sense. While algae are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and may contribute to overall health, clinical studies specifically examining their effects on spleen function are lacking. Thus, the justification for using algae to support the spleen comes primarily from traditional rather than scientific sources, and the evidence rating is low due to the lack of targeted research.
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green chirettaapple
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astragalus
myrobalan
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black garlic
blackberry
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
rice
bupleurum falcatum
catechins
catjang cowpea
cauliflower
chaga mushroom
chamomile
chen pi
collard
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turmeric
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dandelion
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dyer’s woad root
eleuthero
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
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fu ling
gardenia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
goldenseal
gooseberry
grape
onion
green tea
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
jujube
kale
kelp
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maitake mushroom
mango
mangosteen
moringa
oleanolic acid
ophiopogon root
orange
parsley
perilla
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quinoa
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spinach
strawberry
triphala
almond fruit
turkey tail mushroom
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
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vitamin B
seaweed
water
mulberry
red clover
jiaogulan
chickweed
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tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
mugwort
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
swertia
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lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
morus
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dioscorea
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
oriental arborvitae
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zanthoxylum
trace minerals
coix
wheat germ
noni
millet seed
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Ankaflavin
Angelica
Antrodia camphorata
Auricularia
Abrus
Amomum
Albizia
Andrographolide
Asam gelugor
Astragaloside
Armillaria mellea
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Adenophora
Artemisia Anomala
Anemarrhena
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Atractylone
Animal protein
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Baliospermum
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Broussonetia
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Breadnut
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Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Bael
Basidiomycota
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Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bupleurum
Baicalin
Cumin
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cucurbita
Calycosin
Coriolus mushroom
Combretum quadrangulare
Codonopsis
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Citrus
Cantaloupe
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
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Curcumen
Capers
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
Carob
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Chinese Thoroughwax
Cephalotaxus sinensis
Ceanothus integerrimus
Chebulinic acid
Costus
Cynanchum
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Dendrobium
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eggplant
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Emblicanin
Elkweed
Emodin
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Goldthread
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Lotus
Orchid
Sumac
walnut