Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Adenophora

Also known as: Adenophora stricta Miq., Adenophora triphylla (Thunb.) A.DC., Ladybells, Adenophora root, Adenophora stricta

Overview

Adenophora species, particularly *Adenophora stricta* and *Adenophora triphylla*, are perennial herbs traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine. The primary application has been for respiratory ailments and general health support. The root extracts are the main form used as a supplement, valued for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory properties. While research on Adenophora is still in its early stages, preclinical studies and some preliminary evidence suggest potential benefits in lung protection, anti-obesity effects, and general anti-inflammatory actions. However, a significant limitation is the absence of systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on Adenophora as a supplement, indicating a low level of clinical evidence maturity.

Benefits

Preclinical research indicates several potential benefits for Adenophora root extracts. *Adenophora stricta* root extract (AsE) has shown significant protective effects against particulate matter (PM2.5)-induced lung injury in mice. In a dose-dependent manner (100–400 mg/kg) over 10 days, it reduced lung tissue inflammation, apoptosis, mucus stasis, and oxidative stress markers. This suggests a strong potential for lung health, particularly in environments with air pollution. Additionally, *Adenophora triphylla* root ethanol extract demonstrated anti-obesity effects in mice fed a high-fat diet, leading to reduced adipose tissue accumulation and improved liver metabolism, indicating potential metabolic benefits. However, it is crucial to note that no high-quality Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses in humans (meeting criteria such as n≥30, proper controls, and statistical significance) have been identified. This means that while animal studies are promising, definitive claims regarding clinical efficacy in humans cannot yet be made.

How it works

The observed protective effects of Adenophora are primarily attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In lung injury models, it appears to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prevent lipid peroxidation, thereby mitigating cellular damage and inflammation. The anti-obesity effects may involve the modulation of adipose tissue metabolism and liver function, likely through similar antioxidant and metabolic regulatory mechanisms. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, the mechanisms are thought to involve key inflammatory signaling pathways and mediators of oxidative stress, suggesting a broad impact on cellular protection and metabolic balance.

Side effects

Based on current research, the safety profile of Adenophora is not fully established, particularly in humans. Animal studies have reported no significant adverse effects or changes in body weight at tested doses (100–400 mg/kg) during short-term administration. However, there is a distinct lack of human safety data or reports of side effects that meet clinical trial standards. Consequently, no known drug interactions or contraindications have been documented due to the limited clinical evidence. Consumers should exercise caution, as the absence of reported side effects in limited animal studies does not guarantee safety in humans, especially with long-term use or in specific populations. Comprehensive human clinical trials are necessary to fully assess the safety, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions of Adenophora.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Adenophora due to the lack of clinical trials. Effective doses observed in animal models ranged from 100 to 400 mg/kg orally for lung protection over a 10-day period. However, translating animal doses to human equivalents requires significant caution and further scientific study, as metabolic rates and physiological responses can differ greatly between species. Without human clinical data, any suggested dosage for human consumption would be speculative and potentially unsafe. Individuals interested in using Adenophora should consult with a healthcare professional, who can provide guidance based on individual health status and the limited available information, emphasizing that its use is not yet clinically validated.

FAQs

Is Adenophora effective for respiratory health?

Preclinical evidence in animal models suggests lung protective effects against air pollution-induced injury. However, human data are currently lacking, so clinical efficacy is unproven.

Is Adenophora safe to use?

Animal studies indicate safety at tested doses over short periods. However, human safety remains unconfirmed due to the absence of clinical trials and comprehensive safety data.

What benefits can be expected from Adenophora?

Potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, with possible metabolic effects, have been observed in animal studies. Clinical efficacy and specific benefits in humans are not yet proven.

How long does it take to see effects from Adenophora?

Animal studies used administration periods of around 10 days to observe effects. The timeline for any potential effects in humans is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical research.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9312037/ – This preclinical animal study investigated the effects of *Adenophora stricta* root extract on PM2.5-induced lung injury in mice. The findings demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in lung inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, alongside improved lung histology, suggesting significant protective effects against air pollution-induced damage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23470751/ – This preclinical animal study explored the anti-obesity effects of *Adenophora triphylla* root ethanol extract in high-fat diet-fed mice. The research indicated that the extract reduced adipose tissue accumulation and improved liver metabolism, suggesting potential benefits for managing obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1556133/full – This source highlights the general lack of systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Adenophora as a dietary supplement. It underscores the low maturity level of clinical evidence for Adenophora, indicating that while preclinical research exists, high-quality human clinical trials are still needed to establish efficacy and safety.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0304402 – This source, along with others, indicates that systematic reviews on dietary supplements for conditions like osteoarthritis and cardiopulmonary effects have not identified Adenophora as a significant intervention. This further emphasizes the current absence of high-quality clinical trials or meta-analyses supporting its use in humans for these or other conditions.