Synopsis

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

Knotweed (commonly referring to species such as Polygonum cuspidatum or Polygonum aviculare) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional systems. In TCM, certain types of knotweed are used to "support the Spleen" by tonifying Qi, promoting digestion, and helping address "dampness." The Spleen in TCM is associated with digestive function and the transformation of food into energy, rather than the anatomical spleen in Western medicine.

Historical texts and materia medica, such as the Compendium of Materia Medica, describe various knotweed species as being used to improve appetite, support digestion, and assist in treating diarrhea or lack of energy—all traditionally attributed to Spleen deficiency. However, these uses are based on traditional energetic concepts, not modern biological understanding of the spleen or digestion.

From a scientific standpoint, knotweed contains compounds like resveratrol and emodin, which have been studied for other effects (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), but there is limited to no direct scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for "Spleen" function as understood in TCM or for digestive support in the Western medical sense. Therefore, its use for the Spleen is justified primarily by tradition, with low-level evidence by modern research.

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