Acanthopanax Cortex
Also known as: Acanthopanax Cortex, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Siberian ginseng, Wu Jia Pi, Acanthopanax senticosus
Overview
Acanthopanax Cortex is the dried bark of *Acanthopanax senticosus*, a deciduous shrub native to Northeast Asia, commonly known as Siberian ginseng. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is valued for its tonic, anti-fatigue, and anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally used to strengthen bones and joints, promote diuresis, and improve cognitive function. Modern research is exploring its potential antidepressant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporotic effects. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including lignans, saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. While preclinical studies and some animal randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show promising results, human clinical trials are limited, indicating a moderate research maturity level. The current evidence base is primarily derived from animal models and in vitro studies, with no large-scale human RCTs or meta-analyses available.
Benefits
Acanthopanax Cortex exhibits several promising, evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and animal studies. It has shown significant antidepressant-like effects in mouse models of depression, improving behaviors, modulating neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin), and reducing neuroinflammation via the IL-17 signaling pathway. This suggests a strong potential for mood regulation. Furthermore, it demonstrates cognitive enhancement, with studies in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models indicating improved memory and sleep quality, pointing towards neuroprotective capabilities. Its anti-inflammatory and bone health benefits are also notable; extracts have shown immunomodulatory effects by enhancing monocyte cytokine production and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. In rat osteoporosis models, it increased bone mass and decreased bone resorption by downregulating RANKL expression. Secondary benefits include fatigue reduction and improved physical endurance, aligning with its traditional uses. Additionally, it has shown potential in modulating the gut-brain axis, improving learning and memory, altering gut microbiota, and reducing inflammation in irradiated mice. While these findings are statistically significant in animal models, robust human data confirming these benefits and their clinical significance in specific populations are currently lacking.
How it works
Acanthopanax Cortex exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its antidepressant-like actions involve modulating neuroinflammation, specifically via the IL-17 signaling pathway, which reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also influences neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin (5-HT), acetylcholine (ACH), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, crucial for mood and cognitive function. For its anti-inflammatory properties, it demonstrates immunomodulatory effects on lymphocytes and monocytes, suppressing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby reducing nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production. In bone health, it inhibits bone resorption by downregulating RANKL. These mechanisms collectively interact with the central nervous system, immune system, skeletal system, and gut microbiota. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, network pharmacology analyses suggest that some active compounds possess good oral bioavailability and can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Acanthopanax Cortex appears favorable, with no significant adverse effects reported in animal studies, and traditional use suggesting good tolerability. However, common, uncommon, or rare side effects are not well-documented in clinical settings due to a lack of high-quality human studies. Therefore, comprehensive information regarding potential adverse reactions is currently unavailable. Drug interactions are also largely unknown, and caution is advised, particularly given its potential immunomodulatory effects. Contraindications have not been established, but due to the limited human safety data, its use in specific populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, or those with autoimmune diseases, should be approached with caution. No specific data are available for other special populations, emphasizing the need for more extensive human research to fully characterize its safety profile.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose and optimal dosage ranges for Acanthopanax Cortex have not been established in humans. Animal studies utilize variable doses standardized to extract content, making direct translation to human dosing challenging. Similarly, a maximum safe dose has not been defined. In animal models, effects have been observed after days to weeks of administration, suggesting that consistent, long-term use may be necessary for potential benefits. For research consistency and potential future clinical applications, extracts standardized for active compounds are preferred. No specific cofactors have been identified that significantly influence its absorption or efficacy, though bioavailability may vary depending on the specific preparation or form of the supplement. Due to the lack of human clinical data, specific recommendations for timing of administration or form-specific guidelines cannot be provided.
FAQs
Is Acanthopanax Cortex effective for depression?
Animal studies show antidepressant-like effects by reducing neuroinflammation and modulating neurotransmitters, but robust human evidence is currently lacking to confirm its efficacy for depression in people.
Can it improve memory?
Preclinical data from animal models, including those for Alzheimer's disease and irradiated mice, suggest potential cognitive benefits and improved memory, but human studies are needed.
Is it safe?
Traditional use and animal studies indicate a good safety profile, but comprehensive human safety data, including common side effects and drug interactions, are insufficient to make definitive safety claims.
How long before effects appear?
In animal studies, behavioral and biochemical changes have been observed within 1 to 4 weeks of consistent administration, suggesting that effects may not be immediate.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9972068/ – This animal study investigated the antidepressant-like effects of Acanthopanax Cortex extract in mice with chronic mild stress-induced depression. It found that the extract improved depressive behaviors, modulated neurotransmitter levels, and reduced neuroinflammation by targeting the IL-17 signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as an antidepressant.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10965608/ – This research combined animal studies with network pharmacology to explore the neuroprotective effects of *Acanthopanax senticosus* in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models. It demonstrated that the extract improved memory and sleep quality, with computational analyses supporting its neuroprotective mechanisms, although human clinical trials are still needed.
- https://lcm.amegroups.org/article/view/7327/html – This preclinical study explored the immunomodulatory and bone health effects of Acanthopanax Cortex. It showed that the extract had immunomodulatory effects on human lymphocytes and, in a rat osteoporosis model, increased bone mass and decreased bone resorption by downregulating RANKL, indicating potential for bone health and anti-inflammatory applications.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cns.14134 – This animal study investigated the effects of *Acanthopanax senticosus* extract in irradiated mice. It found that the extract improved learning and memory, favorably modulated gut microbiota composition, increased tight junction proteins, and reduced colon inflammation, suggesting systemic benefits beyond the central nervous system.
