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Ashitaba

Also known as: Ashitaba, Tomorrow's Leaf, Angelica keiskei Koidzumi

Overview

Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei Koidzumi) is a perennial plant native to Japan, traditionally utilized as a folk medicine and health supplement. It is rich in diverse bioactive compounds, particularly prenylated chalcones like 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, alongside coumarins and flavanones. Historically, it has been valued for its purported health benefits. Research suggests Ashitaba possesses various pharmacological properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. While numerous in vitro and animal studies support these claims, human clinical evidence remains limited and largely inconclusive. The current research maturity for Ashitaba is moderate, indicating a need for more rigorous in vivo and well-controlled clinical trials to definitively confirm its efficacy and elucidate its mechanisms of action in humans.

Benefits

Ashitaba shows promising, though largely preclinical, benefits. Long-term supplementation with Ashitaba yellow stem exudate (AYE) in aged mice significantly reduced systemic inflammation markers, such as TNF-α, and decreased age-related increases in plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). This suggests a potential role in preventing thrombotic diseases in elderly populations, with strong evidence from an animal model. In vitro studies indicate that Ashitaba metabolites possess antioxidative properties and exhibit cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines; however, the clinical relevance of these findings in humans is not yet established. Some animal and preliminary human data hint at possible antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects, but robust, well-powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are currently lacking to confirm these metabolic benefits. There are no high-quality human RCTs specifically investigating Ashitaba for weight or lipid control.

How it works

Ashitaba's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its bioactive chalcones, such as 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, which modulate multiple biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory actions are believed to occur through the inhibition of NF-κB and the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α. The plant exhibits antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, Ashitaba may improve thrombotic balance by modulating the fibrinolytic system, specifically by lowering plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels. While potential influences on glucose metabolism and blood pressure regulation have been observed, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects in humans require further elucidation.

Side effects

Ashitaba appears generally safe based on animal studies and its long history of traditional use, with no major toxicities reported in the reviewed literature. To date, no well-documented adverse effects or significant drug interactions have been reported in the limited human clinical trials available. However, it is crucial to note that human data are sparse, and comprehensive safety profiles are not yet established. Caution is advised for specific populations: pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Ashitaba due to insufficient safety data. Individuals currently on anticoagulant therapy should also exercise caution and consult their healthcare providers, as Ashitaba has potential effects on blood clotting pathways, which could theoretically interact with blood-thinning medications. Further research is needed to fully understand its safety profile, especially with long-term use and in diverse populations.

Dosage

Currently, there is no standardized or clinically established dosing regimen for Ashitaba due to a lack of comprehensive human clinical trials. Most available data come from animal studies, which utilized long-term supplementation (e.g., 52 weeks in mice) with Ashitaba yellow stem exudate. Human equivalent doses derived from these animal studies are not yet defined or validated. Traditionally, Ashitaba leaves or extracts have been consumed, but precise dose-response data for specific health benefits in humans are absent. Without robust clinical trials, it is difficult to recommend specific dosages for different purposes or to establish upper safety limits. Consumers should be aware that product formulations and concentrations can vary widely, and without clear guidelines, determining an effective and safe dose remains challenging.

FAQs

Is Ashitaba effective for weight loss or diabetes?

Current scientific evidence from human studies is insufficient to confirm Ashitaba's efficacy for weight loss or diabetes management. Most promising data are from preclinical or animal studies.

Is it safe to take Ashitaba daily?

Limited data suggest Ashitaba is generally safe based on traditional use and animal studies. However, long-term human studies are needed to fully assess its safety profile for daily, prolonged consumption.

Does Ashitaba interact with medications?

A potential interaction with anticoagulant medications is plausible due to Ashitaba's effects on blood clotting pathways. Individuals on such medications should consult their healthcare provider before use.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27399234/ – This review summarizes the known metabolites of Ashitaba and their in vitro/in vivo pharmacological activities, highlighting the need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm efficacy and mechanisms in humans. It provides a comprehensive overview of preclinical data but notes the scarcity of human clinical evidence.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37862040/ – This animal study demonstrated that long-term supplementation with Ashitaba yellow stem exudate in aging mice significantly reduced systemic inflammation markers and decreased PAI-1 levels, suggesting a potential role in preventing thrombotic diseases. The study provides strong evidence for anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects in an animal model.
https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/application/files/7117/0175/4179/aram.pdf – This systematic review, while not specific to Ashitaba, examines various human studies on supplements and their metabolic effects. It indirectly highlights the lack of direct Ashitaba RCTs for metabolic conditions and suggests that while related supplements may show modest effects, these cannot be extrapolated to Ashitaba without specific research.