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Dendrobium

Dendrobium is a genus of orchids whose stems have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and they contain polysaccharides and bibenzyl compounds that are thought to give them their activity. People mostly look at it for digestive support, and the evidence is limited: animal studies found it protected the stomach lining by boosting mucus secretion. No controlled human trials have looked at stomach outcomes, so what works in animals remains unproven in people.

Sources: PMID 36160715; PMID 37011417

Best evidence
Grade C
Conditions studied
2
Outcomes
6
Graded outcomes
0015

Evidence by condition

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

2 conditions, plus general outcomes

General

General: outcomes studied for Dendrobium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Gastroprotection

Animal studies show gastroprotective effects through enhanced mucus secretion and epithelial protection, consistent with extensive traditional use in TCM for stomach disorders. Recognized in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for digestive support. No controlled human trials for gastrointestinal outcomes.

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect5 studies

Studies that measured gastroprotection

Inflammation

In vitro and animal studies demonstrate reduced inflammatory markers and nitric oxide production in cell models. Polysaccharides and bibenzyl compounds appear to be the active anti-inflammatory constituents. No human anti-inflammatory trials exist.

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect5 studies

Studies that measured inflammation

Airway Function in Smokers

A single small RCT (n=40) in smokers with mild airflow obstruction used 1.2g Dendrobium polysaccharides three times daily. This appears to be one of the only controlled human trials of Dendrobium, with limited available details on effect size.

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect5 studies40 people

Studies that measured airway function in smokers

Blood Glucose

In animal models, Dendrobium extracts affect hepatic glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis via cAMP-PKA and Akt/FoxO1 pathways, suggesting potential glucose-lowering effects. No human diabetes or glucose metabolism trials have been conducted.

Improves (the measure goes down)Small effect5 studies

Studies that measured blood glucose

Antioxidant Status

Antioxidant Status: outcomes studied for Dendrobium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Antioxidant Status

In vitro studies show strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and ORAC assays, with some bibenzyl compounds exceeding vitamin C potency. No human trials have assessed antioxidant outcomes.

Improves (the measure goes up)Moderate effect5 studies

Studies that measured antioxidant status

Autoimmune Health

Autoimmune Health: outcomes studied for Dendrobium
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Immune Function

Dendrobium polysaccharides show immunomodulatory effects in animal models, enhancing aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity. No human immunological trials exist.

Improves (the measure goes up)Small effect5 studies

Studies that measured immune function

Key findings

  • GastroprotectionImproves (the measure goes up)
  • Antioxidant StatusAntioxidant StatusImproves (the measure goes up)
  • InflammationImproves (the measure goes down)

Shop Dendrobium

Third-party tested Dendrobium products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.

  • Grade C

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Studies cited

5 studies from PubMed

  1. Dendrobium as a new natural source of bioactive for prevention and treatment of digestive tract diseasesPhytomedicine, 2023 · PMID 37011417
  2. Bioactivities and mechanism of actions of Dendrobium officinale: a comprehensive reviewFront Pharmacol, 2022 · PMID 36160715
  3. Network pharmacologic analysis of Dendrobium officinale extract inhibiting the proliferation of gastric cancer cellsEvid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2022 · PMID 35401206
  4. Bioactive phenanthrene and bibenzyl derivatives from the stems of Dendrobium nobileJ Nat Prod, 2016 · PMID 27310249
  5. Bioactive bibenzyl derivatives and fluorenones from Dendrobium nobileJ Nat Prod, 2007 · PMID 17253844