Acer Truncatum
Also known as: Acer truncatum Bunge, Shantung maple, purpleblow maple, Acer truncatum
Overview
Acer truncatum, also known as Shantung maple or purpleblow maple, is a deciduous tree native to northern China. Its seeds and leaves are utilized as sources for nutraceuticals due to their rich content of bioactive compounds. The seed oil is particularly notable for its high concentration of nervonic acid, a very long-chain fatty acid crucial for brain health and myelin synthesis. Leaf extracts contain flavonoids like myricitrin, which exhibit potential insulin-mimetic properties. This supplement is primarily explored for its potential in cognitive support, neuroprotection, and metabolic regulation. While research is still in its early stages, with a predominance of preclinical and animal studies, the initial findings suggest promising applications as a functional food ingredient and for addressing conditions related to neurological and metabolic health.
Benefits
Acer truncatum offers several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its seed oil has demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects, promoting remyelination and improving schizophrenia-like behaviors in a mouse model of demyelination. This suggests potential for supporting conditions involving myelin damage and cognitive disorders. The leaves contain flavonoids, such as myricitrin, which exhibit insulin-mimetic activity, indicating a potential role in glucose metabolism and managing hyperglycemia. The high nervonic acid content in the seeds is crucial for brain lipid synthesis, potentially supporting cognitive function and nerve repair. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that the seed oil may positively influence physiological indicators and gut microbiota, although human data are currently lacking for this benefit. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently high for preclinical studies, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Acer truncatum are attributed to its distinct bioactive compounds. Myricitrin, a flavonoid found in the leaves, is believed to act as an insulin mimic, potentially activating glucose uptake pathways and improving insulin sensitivity. The nervonic acid present in the seed oil is a key component in the biosynthesis of nerve cell myelin. It supports remyelination processes and the maturation of oligodendrocytes, which are myelin-producing cells, thereby contributing to neuroprotection and nerve repair. The overall fatty acid composition of the seed oil may also modulate inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, which are implicated in neurodegeneration. While specific pharmacokinetic data are limited, the lipid nature of nervonic acid suggests good bioavailability from the seed oil.
Side effects
Currently, no significant adverse effects have been reported for Acer truncatum in animal studies or preliminary human observations. Due to the limited clinical data, there are no documented drug interactions or contraindications available. However, this lack of reported side effects does not equate to proven safety, especially in specific populations. The safety of Acer truncatum has not been established for pregnant women, children, or individuals with chronic diseases. As research progresses to human clinical trials, a more comprehensive understanding of potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications will emerge. Until then, caution is advised for vulnerable populations, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use.
Dosage
There is currently no standardized dosing for Acer truncatum due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Animal studies investigating remyelination effects used dietary supplementation with Acer truncatum oil over a period of two weeks, but specific human equivalent doses have not been established. For leaf extracts, the content of active compounds like myricitrin can vary with the age of the tree, suggesting that quality control based on myricitrin levels would be important for consistent dosing. Further research is essential to determine the minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges for different purposes, and the maximum safe dose for human consumption. Until more robust clinical data are available, any use should be approached with caution and under professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Acer truncatum effective for cognitive disorders?
Preclinical evidence suggests neuroprotective effects and improved cognitive behaviors in animal models, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy for cognitive disorders.
Can it help with diabetes?
Leaf flavonoids show insulin-mimetic activity in vitro and in animal models, indicating potential for glucose metabolism, but clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking.
Is it safe?
No significant safety concerns have been reported in animal studies, but human data are insufficient to establish comprehensive safety, especially for specific populations.
How long until effects appear?
Animal studies observed effects, such as improved remyelination, after approximately two weeks of supplementation with Acer truncatum oil.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8308865/ – This study identified myricitrin as a key insulin-mimic compound in Acer truncatum leaves. It found that the content of this active compound remained stable across different tree ages, suggesting consistent potential for metabolic benefits. The research primarily focused on chemical analysis and in vitro activity.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2022.860280/full – This animal study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Acer truncatum seed oil significantly promoted remyelination and improved schizophrenia-like behaviors in a cuprizone-induced demyelination mouse model. The findings support the neuroprotective potential of the oil, particularly in enhancing oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin repair.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11181630/ – This genomic and transcriptomic study investigated the genes involved in fatty acid and nervonic acid synthesis in Acer truncatum seeds. It provides foundational insights into the biosynthesis pathways of these important compounds, which can inform future breeding strategies for enhanced nervonic acid content.
- https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.7506/spkx1002-6630-20230321-210 – This research provides preliminary evidence suggesting that Acer truncatum seed oil may positively influence physiological indicators and gut microbiota. While the specific mechanisms and human relevance require further investigation, it points to potential benefits beyond neurological health.
