Evidence supporting the use of: Drynaria
For the health condition: Sprains
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Drynaria, particularly the rhizome of Drynaria fortunei (Gu Sui Bu in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine for the treatment of bone fractures, sprains, and related musculoskeletal injuries. Traditional medical texts describe its function as "mending bones" and strengthening tendons, and it is often included in polyherbal formulas for trauma and sprain management. The historical use is primarily based on empirical tradition and documented in classical Chinese materia medica.
Modern scientific studies are limited, but some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that Drynaria extracts may promote osteoblast activity and bone healing processes. However, direct clinical evidence in humans, specifically for sprains (as opposed to bone healing), is sparse or lacking. Thus, while there is a strong traditional rationale for its use in sprains, high-quality clinical trials validating its efficacy are missing. The rating of 2 reflects the robust traditional use and some preclinical support, but an absence of definitive clinical research for sprains.
Other ingredients used for Sprains
allspicebromelain
chymotrypsin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
endo-peptidase
horsetail
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
serratiopeptidase
trypsin
vitamin C
white willow
solomon's seal
wintergreen
camphor oil
abies spectabilis
arnica
clematis
Achyranthes
Anemone
Aescin
Actaea spicata
Aspen
Alstonia macrophylla
Brassaiopsis glomerulata
Bai Ji
Big Quaking Grass
Bogbean
Black Poplar
Barbary matrimony vine
cypress
Collinsonia
Drynaria
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Enzyme Blend
Fibrinase
Giant Trillium
Glycosaminoglycans
Other health conditions supported by Drynaria
Broken BonesBruises (healing)
Cartilage Damage
Inflammation
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Osteoporosis
Sprains
Surgery (healing from)
Wounds and Sores