Dodder

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Dodder (Cuscuta spp., known as tu si zi in traditional Chinese medicine) is a parasitic vine whose seeds are used in traditional Asian medicine for kidney, reproductive, and visual health.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Kidney/reproductive support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Use is grounded in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic systems; modern clinical trials are limited and often combine dodder with other herbs.

How it works

Dodder seed contains flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), polysaccharides, and lignans. Preclinical studies report antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and possible weak estrogenic activity. The mechanistic picture is incomplete. Human clinical evidence for dodder seed as a single ingredient is limited; most use is within multi-herb traditional formulas.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional Chinese herbal practice uses 6-15 g of seed per day in decoctions; supplements vary. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations are often taken in divided doses. Take with food to improve tolerability.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cuscuta seed extract / powder

Often used in multi-herb traditional formulas rather than as a single ingredient.

Composition varies by species and processing.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Mild GI upset is occasionally reported. Long-term safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Caution in hormone-sensitive conditions and when taking hormone therapy.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with hormone therapies and immunosuppressants based on preclinical findings. No major clinical interactions are widely documented.

Frequently asked questions

Is dodder safe?⌄

At traditional doses and short-term use it is generally well tolerated, but high-quality safety data are lacking.

What is it traditionally used for?⌄

Kidney essence, fertility support, and eye health in traditional Chinese medicine.

References

Dodder on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Dodder (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.