Adenophora

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Adenophora (commonly Adenophora triphylla or A. tetraphylla, called ladybell or sha shen in Chinese) is a flowering plant whose root is used in traditional Chinese medicine to support lung and immune function and ease dry cough.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Dry cough / respiratory support

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use and preclinical antitussive data exist. No high-quality controlled trials in Western literature.

How it works

Adenophora root contains polysaccharides, saponins (adenophorosides), and phytosterols. In TCM, it is classified as a yin tonic for the lungs and stomach. Preclinical research describes immunomodulatory and antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects in animal models. Human clinical evidence in Western literature is limited, with most use occurring within traditional formulas rather than as a single agent.

Dosage

No standardized modern dose. Traditional preparations use 9-15 g of dried root in decoction.

When and how to take it

No established timing. Traditional formulas are usually taken between meals as decoction.

1 commercial form

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Root extract or powder

Used in TCM formulas; available as standalone or in blends.

Limited PK data.

Safety

Generally considered safe at traditional preparation doses with a long history of use. Modern toxicology data is limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited modern data. TCM contraindications include certain colder constitution patterns.

Interactions

Insufficient data on drug interactions.

Food sources

Not a food source

Amount
N/A
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

What is adenophora used for?⌄

In TCM, it is used for dry cough, throat dryness, and as a yin tonic. Western clinical evidence is limited.

References

Adenophora on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Adenophora on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Adenophora (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.