Amber Dried Amber Resin Liquid Extract
Also known as: Amber resin, fossilized resin extract, amber liquid extract, amber extract, amber resin extract, Amber Resin Liquid Extract
Overview
Amber resin liquid extract is a processed liquid form derived from fossilized plant resin, typically millions of years old, composed primarily of polymerized terpenes and related hydrocarbons. It is a complex mixture of organic molecules, not a single chemical compound. Traditionally, amber has been used for stress relief, longevity enhancement, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory effects. While preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo in model organisms) have begun to investigate its biological effects, human clinical trials are currently scarce. The extract is classified as a natural resin-derived nutraceutical, often falling under botanical extracts or traditional medicine supplements. It is chemically stable and insoluble in water.
Benefits
Amber resin liquid extract shows promising, albeit preliminary, benefits primarily from preclinical studies. In *Caenorhabditis elegans* (a nematode model), it demonstrated improved stress resistance and extended lifespan by modulating stress hormone balance and signaling pathways like DAF-16, SKN-1, and HSF-1, which are related to insulin/IGF-1 signaling. This suggests potential for stress buffering and longevity, though this has not been replicated in humans. Furthermore, in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells, amber extract exhibited neuroprotective effects by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting autophagy, protecting cells from 6-hydroxydopamine-induced apoptosis. This indicates a potential role in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Traditional claims for pain relief and improved blood circulation exist, but these lack robust clinical validation. Crucially, no human clinical trials or meta-analyses confirm these benefits or quantify their effect sizes in humans, limiting the strength of evidence for human application.
How it works
Amber extract's mechanism of action appears to involve the modulation of key stress response pathways. In model organisms, it influences the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway through transcription factors such as DAF-16 (a FOXO homolog), SKN-1 (an Nrf2 homolog), and HSF-1, which are crucial for regulating stress resistance and longevity. It also acts as an antioxidant, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating ERK phosphorylation in neuronal cells, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Additionally, the extract promotes autophagy, a vital cellular 'cleanup' process essential for maintaining neuronal health and survival. The bioactive compounds are likely terpenoid derivatives, but their specific molecular targets in humans remain largely unidentified. Information regarding its absorption and bioavailability in humans is currently unavailable.
Side effects
The safety profile of amber resin liquid extract is largely uncharacterized in humans. Preclinical studies in *C. elegans* reported no developmental or physical toxicity at tested doses, suggesting a low toxicity profile in this model organism. However, there is no human safety data, adverse effect profiles, or documented drug interactions available. Consequently, contraindications for its use are also undefined due to the lack of clinical research. The safety of amber resin liquid extract in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals, the elderly, or children, is completely unknown. Consumers should exercise extreme caution due to the absence of comprehensive human safety data, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before considering its use.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for amber resin liquid extract due to the complete absence of human clinical trials. The concentrations used in preclinical studies, such as those in cell cultures or model organisms like *C. elegans*, do not directly translate to human dosages. Therefore, specific recommendations regarding dosage ranges, timing of administration, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be provided. Furthermore, form-specific recommendations (e.g., liquid vs. encapsulated) and factors influencing absorption and bioavailability in humans have not been defined. There are no known upper limits or safety thresholds established for human consumption.
FAQs
Is amber resin extract safe?
Preclinical data suggest low toxicity in model organisms, but human safety is unestablished. There are no human safety studies or adverse effect profiles available.
Does amber extract reduce stress in humans?
Evidence for stress reduction is limited to nematode models; human effects remain unproven. No human clinical trials have confirmed this benefit.
Can amber extract treat neurodegenerative diseases?
In vitro data show neuroprotective potential in cell cultures, but clinical efficacy in humans for treating neurodegenerative diseases is currently unknown and unproven.
How long before effects appear?
Model organism studies suggest lifespan and stress resistance effects over their lifespan; human timelines for any potential effects are entirely unknown due to lack of research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9228897/ – This in vivo study using *C. elegans* demonstrated that amber extract increased stress resistance and extended lifespan. The mechanism involved modulation of the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway, and no toxicity was observed in the nematode model. This provides high-quality preclinical evidence for longevity and stress-buffering potential.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8956085/ – This in vitro cell culture study used human SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells to show that amber extract protected cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. It achieved this by promoting autophagy and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). The findings offer moderate-quality mechanistic insights into potential neuroprotective effects.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30034-y – This molecular identification study focused on identifying the species origin of semipetrified amber (benzoin resin) using DNA techniques. While scientifically relevant for understanding amber's botanical source, it does not provide information related to the biological effects or clinical relevance of amber extract as a supplement.
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