Evidence supporting the use of: Tetrahydropalmatine
For the health condition: Tension
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is an alkaloid derived from several plant species, most notably Corydalis yanhusuo, a traditional herb used in Chinese medicine. Its use for "tension" is primarily based on traditional practices, where it has been included in herbal formulas aimed at calming the mind, relieving pain, and reducing agitation. THP is thought to exert sedative and anxiolytic effects, and in historical contexts, it has been used to address symptoms described as "restlessness," "nervousness," or "tension."
Modern scientific studies on THP have mostly focused on its analgesic and sedative properties, with some animal and small-scale human studies suggesting effectiveness in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation through modulation of dopaminergic and GABAergic pathways. However, robust clinical trials examining its efficacy specifically for "tension" in the sense of muscle tension or psychological tension are lacking. As such, the evidence supporting THP’s use for tension is limited and mainly anecdotal or based on traditional herbal medicine literature rather than rigorous scientific validation.
While traditional use and preliminary pharmacological data suggest a rationale for its calming effects, the current scientific evidence is not sufficient to strongly support its use for treating tension. More high-quality research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Other health conditions supported by Tetrahydropalmatine
Abdominal PainAddictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Alcoholism
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Backache
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Headache (general)
Insomnia
Nerve Damage
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Tension