Cynanchum otophyllum

Botanical

What is it

Cynanchum otophyllum is an Asclepiad plant native to southwestern China, used in traditional Chinese medicine for what TCM describes as rheumatic complaints and epilepsy.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Epilepsy (traditional Chinese use)

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies and Chinese clinical reports suggest possible anticonvulsant activity. No rigorous English-language RCTs.

How it works

Phytochemistry includes C21 steroidal glycosides (cynanchosides) and otophylloside compounds, which have shown antiepileptic and antioxidant activity in animal seizure models. Mechanisms proposed include GABA receptor modulation. Human clinical data is essentially limited to Chinese-language reports.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 6–15 g of root. No FDA-approved dose. DSLD data is limited.

When and how to take it

Traditional formulas dose multiple times daily as decoction.

1 commercial form

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Root extract / decoction

Traditional preparation.

Not characterized.

Safety

Limited modern safety data. Some Cynanchum species are toxic; quality control and proper species identification are important. Animal studies suggest a narrow therapeutic index for some constituents.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not for self-prescription for seizure disorders; consult a neurologist.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antiepileptic drugs and CNS depressants.

Frequently asked questions

Can this replace antiepileptic medication?⌄

No. There is insufficient evidence and the consequences of inadequate seizure control can be severe.

References

Cynanchum otophyllum on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Cynanchum otophyllum (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.