Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract
Also known as: Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract, Cornelian cherry, Japanese cornel, Cornus officinalis
Overview
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract is derived from the fruit of *Cornus officinalis*, a plant extensively used in traditional East Asian medicine. This botanical extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including iridoids (such as loganin, morroniside, and cornuside), various phenolics, and anthocyanins. It is primarily recognized for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, it has been applied for immune support, inflammation reduction, and potential benefits in metabolic health. While research on *C. officinalis* is ongoing, with several in vitro and animal studies, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on the fruit extract in humans are limited, and systematic reviews are still emerging.
Benefits
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily stemming from its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to stimulate innate immunity and improve both humoral and cellular immunity in experimental models, while also reducing allergic responses by lowering markers like IL-5, eotaxin, and IgE. The extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK in macrophages, leading to reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α, and decreased nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Loganin, a prominent iridoid within the extract, has demonstrated efficacy in osteoarthritis models by mitigating inflammation. Furthermore, due to its high content of anthocyanins and phenolics, *C. officinalis* fruit extracts possess strong free radical scavenging activity, comparable to some synthetic antioxidants. While most findings are from cell and animal studies, showing statistically significant reductions in inflammatory markers (p < 0.05), quantitative human data on effect sizes are limited. Traditional use in East Asian populations supports its application for immune and inflammatory conditions, with animal studies suggesting potential benefits in obesity-related inflammation and osteoarthritis.
How it works
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract exerts its effects primarily by modulating immune responses and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. Its key mechanism involves the suppression of pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, specifically NF-κB and MAPK, within immune cells like macrophages. This inhibition leads to a significant reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as decreased nitric oxide (NO) production. Iridoids, particularly loganin and morroniside, are identified as crucial active compounds responsible for these anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Additionally, anthocyanins present in the extract contribute to its antioxidant capacity by scavenging free radicals and exhibiting mild inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. The bioavailability of these compounds is not fully elucidated but is likely influenced by the specific extraction method and the polarity of the active constituents.
Side effects
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract is generally considered non-toxic and safe when used at traditional doses, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in the available literature. However, due to the limited number of high-quality human clinical trials, common side effects are not well-documented. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been reported in robust studies. Despite its general safety, caution is advised for individuals with known allergies to related plant species or those with pre-existing immune disorders, given the extract's established immunomodulatory effects. Comprehensive safety data from large-scale human trials are still needed to fully assess its long-term safety profile and potential rare adverse reactions.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized or clinically established dosage for Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract derived from randomized controlled trials in humans. Dosing information from traditional use and preclinical animal studies is highly variable. In cell culture experiments, extract concentrations typically range from 50 to 400 μg/mL. Animal studies utilize a wide array of doses, making it challenging to accurately define human equivalent doses. The optimal dosage for specific health benefits requires further rigorous clinical investigation. It is also important to note that the concentration of bioactive compounds and, consequently, the activity of the extract can vary significantly depending on the extraction method employed (e.g., aqueous, hydroalcoholic, or ethyl acetate extracts). Therefore, users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before use, as upper limits and safety thresholds are not yet clearly defined.
FAQs
Is Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract safe?
Current evidence suggests safety at traditional doses, but human clinical data are limited, so long-term safety is not fully established.
How quickly does it work?
Anti-inflammatory effects can be observed in vitro within hours, but in vivo effects in humans may require weeks of consistent use.
Can it replace conventional anti-inflammatory drugs?
No, its potency is generally lower than standard pharmaceuticals; it may serve as a complementary agent rather than a replacement.
Is it effective for immune support?
Preclinical evidence supports its immunomodulatory activity, but clinical efficacy in humans for immune support needs further confirmation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9102190/ – This review and experimental study investigated the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of *Cornus mas* and *Cornus officinalis* fruit extracts. It found that phenolic content correlated with activity, demonstrating potential benefits in various in vitro and animal models, though human RCTs were limited.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8618406/ – This experimental study focused on the effects of *C. officinalis* extracts on human neutrophils and epithelial cells in vitro. It showed that the extracts inhibited IL-8 secretion and modulated immune responses, suggesting potential markers for quality control, but noted the lack of clinical data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1309963/full – This comprehensive review summarized multiple studies, including animal models, confirming the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of *C. officinalis* via NF-κB and MAPK inhibition. It highlighted that loganin, a key compound, reduced osteoarthritis inflammation in rats, while acknowledging the scarcity of human trials.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf0115903 – This experimental study assessed the antioxidant and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition activities of anthocyanins from dogwood fruits in vitro. It found that these anthocyanins exhibited strong antioxidant properties and mild COX inhibition, but emphasized that the findings were limited to in vitro conditions without clinical data.
Supplements Containing Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract
Rehmannia Endurance
Planetary Herbals
Rehmannia Vitalizer
Planetary Herbals
Rehmannia Vitalizer
Planetary Herbals
Rehmannia Endurance
Planetary Herbals
Vision Advantage
Williams Nutrition
Nine Flavor Tea
Health Concerns
Nine Flavor Tea
Health Concerns