Synopsis

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

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum) has a history of use in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for a variety of ailments, including urinary tract complaints. In traditional systems, it has been valued for its supposed diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These effects were thought to help "clear heat" and "eliminate dampness," terms used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that sometimes correspond to infections or inflammation in the urinary system. Specifically, knotweed preparations have been used to support urinary health and relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as painful urination or urinary frequency.

However, while some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds in knotweed (notably resveratrol and emodin), there is little direct clinical evidence that knotweed is effective against UTIs in humans. Most available research is preclinical or based on in vitro studies, which do not necessarily translate to efficacy in living people. No large-scale, well-designed clinical trials have confirmed its benefit for treating or preventing UTIs. Thus, its use today for this purpose remains rooted largely in traditional practices rather than modern scientific validation. Nevertheless, knotweed continues to be used in some herbal formulations for urinary tract health, especially in East Asian herbal medicine.

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