Apocynum Venetum Leaf Extract
Also known as: Apocynum venetum L., Luobuma, Chinese Dogbane, Apocynum tea, Apocynum venetum
Overview
Apocynum venetum, also known as Luobuma or Chinese Dogbane, is a plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. The leaf extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, organic acids, and coumarins. It is primarily used for its antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. It is also utilized for reducing blood pressure, inducing sedation, promoting diuresis, and treating various health conditions such as insomnia, kidney disease, and hypertension. Key bioactive compounds include neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercetin, and rosmarinic acid. Research on Apocynum venetum leaf extract is growing, with several in vitro and in vivo studies, but it lacks large-scale clinical trials and systematic reviews. The available evidence is primarily from in vitro studies and animal models, with some limited human data, indicating a need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Apocynum venetum leaf extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits. It demonstrates high antioxidant activity, improving cell viability in oxidatively stressed cells. Studies show it inhibits the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner and induces apoptosis via upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, p21, and p53, suggesting anticancer effects. Furthermore, the extract modulates the gut microbiota, reducing cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin through the production of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and acetic acid (AA). Secondary benefits include potential protection against diabetic retinopathy by regulating the polyol pathway and enhancing Na+K+-ATPase activity. While anecdotal evidence suggests neuroprotective effects, further clinical validation is needed. These benefits are particularly relevant for cardiovascular health, with observed effects on blood pressure and hyperlipidemia, and for diabetic patients, with potential in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The effect sizes and clinical significance require confirmation through larger clinical trials.
How it works
Apocynum venetum leaf extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals and upregulate antioxidant-related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). In cancer cells, it induces apoptosis via the upregulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, p21, and p53. The extract also influences the gut microbiota, producing beneficial metabolites like indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and acetic acid (AA), which contribute to cardioprotection. At a cellular level, it protects against oxidative stress and promotes cellular homeostasis. It modulates blood pressure and lipid profiles within the cardiovascular system. Additionally, it inhibits the expression of aldose reductase, which is relevant in diabetic retinopathy, and regulates autophagy-related proteins via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway.
Side effects
The safety profile of Apocynum venetum leaf extract is not fully elucidated, especially at high doses or with long-term use. While traditionally used, FDA scientists have raised concerns about potential health risks, including reproductive effects, calcium regulation issues, and genotoxicity. Common side effects are not well-documented, but traditional use suggests it is generally well-tolerated. Potential effects on calcium regulation, body weight, and reproductive issues have been noted but require further investigation. Rare side effects include reports of genotoxicity and carcinogenic effects in rats for some of the extract's components, such as quercetin. Potential interactions with other supplements like GABA could enhance effects but also increase the risk of adverse reactions. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data, and known allergies to Apocynaceae family plants. Diabetic and cardiovascular patients may experience beneficial effects but require careful dosing and monitoring due to potential interactions with other medications.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Apocynum venetum leaf extract is not well-defined, but in vitro studies suggest doses ranging from 50 to 200 μg/mL are effective. For human use, a daily intake of 100 mg/person/day has been suggested, but this needs further validation. The maximum safe dose is not established, and FDA scientists have raised concerns about the safety of higher doses. No specific timing recommendations are available, but it is traditionally consumed as a tea. Fermented extracts may have enhanced bioactivity compared to native extracts. The bioavailability can be enhanced through fermentation processes. No specific cofactors are identified, but the presence of other polyphenols and flavonoids may enhance the bioactivity. Due to safety concerns and lack of established safe dosages, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
FAQs
Is Apocynum venetum leaf extract safe?
While traditionally used, there are concerns about potential health risks, especially at higher doses or with long-term use. Consult with a healthcare professional before use.
How should I take Apocynum venetum leaf extract?
Traditionally consumed as a tea, but no specific timing recommendations are available. Follow the guidance of a healthcare professional for appropriate use.
What are the expected benefits of Apocynum venetum leaf extract?
Potential antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects have been observed, but the magnitude and clinical significance need further validation.
Can Apocynum venetum leaf extract replace medical treatment?
No, it is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used under medical supervision, especially for specific health conditions.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/2465341 – This in vitro study analyzed Apocynum venetum tea extracts and found high antioxidant activity, cytoprotective effects, and anticancer activity through apoptosis induction in human embryonic kidney 293T cells and human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The study highlights the potential of the extract as a source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties, but it lacks clinical validation.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39275261/ – This in vitro and cell culture study demonstrated that a polyphenol-rich extract of Apocynum venetum L. leaves protects against diabetic retinopathy in ARPE-19 cells. The extract regulated the polyol pathway, reduced oxidative stress, and maintained intracellular autophagy. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for the extract in preventing or managing diabetic retinopathy, but in vivo or clinical data are lacking.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38074154/ – This animal study on mice with doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity showed that Apocynum venetum leaf extract alleviated cardiotoxicity by modulating the gut microbiota. The extract reduced cardiotoxicity markers and improved cardiac injury through the production of beneficial metabolites. While the results are promising, human clinical validation is needed to confirm these cardioprotective effects.
- https://blogs.edf.org/health/2022/01/05/broken-gras-its-time-for-fda-to-wake-up-and-protect-consumers-from-dubious-ingredients/ – This blog post discusses concerns raised by FDA scientists regarding potential health risks associated with Apocynum venetum, including reproductive effects, calcium regulation issues, and genotoxicity. It highlights the need for more rigorous safety assessments and regulatory oversight of ingredients like Apocynum venetum to protect consumers from potential harm.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1125746/full – This study investigates the impact of fermentation on Apocynum venetum leaves, revealing that it enhances the content and bioactivity of phenolic compounds. The fermented extract exhibits improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that fermentation could be a valuable method for enhancing the therapeutic potential of Apocynum venetum.
