Ampelopsis Japonica Extract
Also known as: Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, Ampelopsis Radix, Ampelopsis japonica
Overview
Ampelopsis japonica is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried tuberous root of the plant. Historically, it has been used for various ailments, including inflammatory conditions and cancers. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, oleanolic acid, resveratrol, flavonoids, catechin, and epicatechin. Modern research primarily focuses on its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory effects. While several preclinical studies and some small controlled studies exist, large-scale human trials or meta-analyses specifically on Ampelopsis japonica extract are currently lacking. The majority of the evidence is derived from in vitro and animal models, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Ampelopsis japonica extract demonstrates promising anti-cancer activity, particularly in lung cancer bone metastasis models, where it inhibits tumor cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. It has been shown to enhance the effects of radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by suppressing the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and modulating apoptosis markers (increasing caspase-3, Bax, and decreasing Bcl-2) [2]. Additionally, it exhibits anti-colorectal cancer effects through the inhibition of STAT3 signaling, a pathway crucial for cancer cell survival [4]. In a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), oral administration of the aqueous extract improved ovulatory function and modulated lipid metabolism, suggesting potential benefits for endocrine and metabolic disorders [3]. Furthermore, extracts from related Ampelopsis species, such as Ampelopsis grossedentata, possess strong antioxidant properties, scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative damage, which contributes to its overall protective effects [5].
How it works
Ampelopsis japonica exerts its effects through several molecular mechanisms. In cancer cells, it suppresses the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, leading to increased apoptosis, and inhibits STAT3 signaling, which reduces cancer cell viability [2, 4]. It also modulates apoptosis-related proteins by increasing cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, while decreasing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 [2]. The extract's antioxidant activity is attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and polyphenols, including gallic acid, catechin, and resveratrol, which scavenge reactive oxygen species [1, 4, 5]. While specific pharmacokinetic data for Ampelopsis japonica extract are limited, its active polyphenols are generally known to have moderate bioavailability, influenced by metabolism and gut microbiota.
Side effects
Overall, traditional use and preclinical studies of Ampelopsis japonica extract have not reported significant toxicity or adverse effects at the doses studied [4]. However, comprehensive human safety data are currently lacking, and no common or serious side effects have been documented in the available literature. Due to the limited clinical data, the potential for rare or long-term adverse effects remains unknown. No specific drug interactions have been reported, but caution is advised when combining Ampelopsis japonica extract with other anticancer or metabolic drugs due to the potential for synergistic effects. Furthermore, the effects of this extract in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with severe comorbidities, have not been studied, and its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Ampelopsis japonica extract due to the limited number of clinical trials in humans. Preclinical studies have utilized various concentrations, ranging from 25 μg/mL in in vitro experiments to different oral doses in animal models, with exact mg/kg doses varying depending on the study and animal species. The optimal and maximum safe doses for human consumption have yet to be established. Therefore, any use of Ampelopsis japonica extract should be approached with caution, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their regimen, especially given the lack of comprehensive human safety and efficacy data.
FAQs
Is Ampelopsis japonica effective as a standalone cancer treatment?
Current evidence suggests its potential as an adjunctive therapy, particularly in enhancing radiotherapy, but not as a sole treatment for cancer. More research is needed.
How quickly do benefits appear with Ampelopsis japonica?
In animal models, effects on tumor growth and metabolic parameters were observed over several weeks. Human data on the onset of benefits are currently unavailable.
Is it safe to use Ampelopsis japonica with conventional therapies?
Preliminary data suggest possible synergistic effects with radiotherapy. However, clinical safety and potential interactions with other conventional therapies require further confirmation through human trials.
Are there any known side effects of Ampelopsis japonica?
No common or serious side effects have been documented in available preclinical literature. However, comprehensive human safety data are lacking, so rare or long-term effects are unknown.
What is the recommended dosage for Ampelopsis japonica?
There are no standardized dosing guidelines for humans due to limited clinical trials. Dosages used in preclinical studies vary, and optimal human doses are yet to be established.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15347354231217274 – This in vivo mouse model study investigated the Qilian formula, containing Ampelopsis japonica, for lung cancer bone metastasis. It found that the formula inhibited tumor growth and identified key active components like gallic acid and resveratrol. The study used HPLC for quality control but is limited by being an animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12119655/ – This in vitro study on NSCLC cells demonstrated that Ampelopsis japonica extract enhanced radiotherapy-induced apoptosis. It achieved this by modulating the PI3K-Akt pathway and apoptosis-related proteins. The study showed statistical significance but is limited to in vitro findings, lacking clinical trial data.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38159378/ – This study, using a PCOS rat model, showed that oral administration of Ampelopsis japonica aqueous extract improved ovulatory function and lipid metabolism over two weeks. It utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for lipidomics analysis. The findings are promising but are limited to an animal model.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00227/full – This research explored the anti-colorectal cancer effects of an ethanolic extract of Ampelopsis Radix (Ampelopsis japonica) via STAT3 inhibition, based on in vitro data and a literature review. It noted no toxicity in clinical use reports, but the study lacks a randomized controlled trial and relies mostly on preclinical data.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.1013 – This source, while not directly cited for Ampelopsis japonica, provides general information on the antioxidant properties of related Ampelopsis species, such as Ampelopsis grossedentata. It highlights their ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent lipid and protein oxidation, contributing to the broader understanding of Ampelopsis's protective effects.