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Akebia Trifoliata Extract

Also known as: Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz., Three-leaf Akebia, Chocolate vine, Akebia trifoliata

Overview

Akebia trifoliata is a deciduous woody vine native to East Asia, traditionally utilized in Chinese herbal medicine. Extracts are derived from various parts of the plant, including the peel, fruit, root, and stem. It is primarily valued for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, diuretic, and muscle-relaxing properties. The fruit is notably rich in amino acids, essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and selenium, and beneficial polyphenols, all contributing to its observed bioactivity. While research on Akebia trifoliata extract is emerging, it remains limited, with most studies being preclinical or small-scale. There is a notable scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans, and evidence predominantly stems from animal models and in vitro assays, focusing mainly on its antioxidative and liver-protective effects. The absence of systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Akebia trifoliata extract highlights a significant need for more rigorous clinical research to substantiate its traditional uses and preclinical findings.

Benefits

Akebia trifoliata extract shows promising benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. A 2024 animal study demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects, where Akebia trifoliata peel extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) notably reduced liver injury markers (ALT, AST) in models of alcohol-induced liver damage, suggesting its potential to improve liver function and protect against alcohol-related injury. The peel extract also exhibits strong antioxidant activity, attributed to its high total polyphenol content and effective DPPH radical scavenging, comparable to established antioxidants like Trolox. The fruit's rich content of essential amino acids and minerals may support immune function and general health, though direct clinical evidence for these benefits is currently limited. Traditionally, Akebia trifoliata has been used as a diuretic, lactogenic agent, and muscle relaxant, with some experimental studies providing partial support for these ethnobotanical claims; however, robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

How it works

The hepatoprotective effects of Akebia trifoliata extract are primarily mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, which work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation within liver tissues. The extract's rich content of polyphenols and phenylpropanoids acts as potent free radical scavengers, effectively protecting cellular components from oxidative damage. Additionally, triterpenoids, which are biosynthesized in Akebia species, may contribute to its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties, although the specific molecular targets and pathways involved are still under investigation. While detailed bioavailability data are scarce, polyphenols are generally known to have moderate absorption, undergoing metabolism in the gut and liver, which allows them to exert their systemic effects.

Side effects

Currently, there are no significant adverse effects reported for Akebia trifoliata extract in animal studies, even at doses up to 200 mg/kg/day. However, comprehensive human safety data are largely lacking, making it difficult to definitively assess its safety profile in humans. Traditional use suggests a low toxicity, but this is not supported by modern clinical trials. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications due to the insufficient clinical data available. Therefore, caution is strongly advised when considering its use, and it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional until more extensive human safety studies are conducted to establish its full safety profile, potential interactions, and contraindications.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Akebia trifoliata extract due to the lack of clinical trials. Effective doses observed in animal models for hepatoprotective effects are around 200 mg/kg body weight per day. Extracts are typically prepared from the peel or fruit of the plant. For future human use, standardization of polyphenol content in the extract may be crucial for ensuring consistent efficacy and safety. Specific recommendations regarding timing of administration, form of the extract (e.g., capsule, liquid), or absorption factors are not yet defined. Without human clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption remain unknown, emphasizing the need for caution and professional guidance.

FAQs

Is Akebia trifoliata extract safe for liver health?

Preliminary animal data suggest potential benefits and safety for liver health, but robust human trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish definitive safety in humans.

Can it be used as an antioxidant supplement?

Yes, Akebia trifoliata extract has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting its potential as an antioxidant supplement.

Are there clinical trials on Akebia trifoliata extract?

Currently, there are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting rigorous criteria available for Akebia trifoliata extract in humans.

What parts of the plant are used for extracts?

Mainly the peel and fruit extracts are used, with some traditional medicinal applications also utilizing the root and stem of the plant.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11353932/ – This animal study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Akebia trifoliata peel extract in mice with alcohol-induced liver injury. It found that the extract significantly reduced liver injury markers (ALT, AST), suggesting its potential to protect liver function. The study highlights the need for human data.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/fstr/29/1/29_FSTR-D-22-00127/_html/-char/en – This research characterized the antioxidant phenylpropanoids in Akebia trifoliata fruit peel, demonstrating high total polyphenol content and potent DPPH radical scavenging activity. It provides strong biochemical evidence of the extract's antioxidant potential, though it lacks clinical data.
https://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh/article/html/3962/ – This review summarized the nutritional content and traditional medicinal uses of Akebia trifoliata, highlighting its amino acids and minerals beneficial for immunity and kidney health. It emphasizes the critical need for further clinical validation of these traditional claims.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2022.936571/full – This source discusses the biosynthesis of triterpenoids in Akebia species, which may contribute to their anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effects. While not a direct study on the extract's effects, it provides insight into potential active compounds and their mechanisms.