Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Without Seeds Extract
Also known as: Asiatic Dogwood Fruit, Shan Zhu Yu, Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis
Overview
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract is derived from the dried fruits of *Cornus officinalis*, a plant extensively utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential benefits in cardiovascular and immune health. The extract is rich in various bioactive compounds, including iridoid glycosides (such as morroniside, loganin, and sweroside), tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Traditionally, it has been employed for its cardiovascular supportive properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and its ability to modulate the immune system. While research on *C. officinalis* extract is ongoing, with numerous in vitro and animal studies, and some emerging human data, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically focusing on the extract are still limited. Current peer-reviewed evidence supports its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, highlighting its potential as a botanical supplement.
Benefits
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in immune modulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to stimulate both innate and adaptive immunity, potentially reducing the incidence of infections and allergic responses by modulating key cytokines like IL-5, eotaxin, and IgE. This immunomodulatory effect extends to reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines such as IL-8 in human neutrophils and intestinal epithelial cells, supporting mucosal immune homeostasis. The extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and MAPK, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and has shown promise in delaying osteoarthritis progression in rat models. Furthermore, its strong antioxidant properties, comparable to standard antioxidants, are attributed to its rich content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which scavenge free radicals. While traditionally used for cardiovascular support, direct clinical evidence in humans is limited, though its bioactive iridoids may contribute to vascular protection through anti-inflammatory effects.
How it works
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Its immunomodulatory actions involve inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8, while simultaneously enhancing both humoral and cellular immunity. The anti-inflammatory effects are primarily mediated by inhibiting the binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to TLR4 receptors on macrophages, which subsequently downregulates the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and reduces Akt phosphorylation. Key iridoid glycosides like loganin and morroniside are considered crucial molecular targets for these anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. The extract's antioxidant properties stem from its phenolic compounds, which effectively scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. While specific bioavailability data are limited, iridoids are generally known to be absorbed and metabolized within the gastrointestinal tract.
Side effects
Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract is generally considered safe, based on its extensive traditional use and findings from preclinical studies. The current scientific literature does not report any significant adverse effects associated with its use. Furthermore, there are no well-documented drug interactions or contraindications identified in high-quality studies. However, it is important to note that the safety of this extract in specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use. As with any supplement, individual sensitivities may vary, but overall, its safety profile appears favorable based on available research.
Dosage
Clinical dosing guidelines for Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract are not yet well-established due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Traditionally, the fruit has been consumed as herbal teas or decoctions. In experimental settings, in vitro studies have utilized extract concentrations ranging from 50 to 400 μg/mL to observe biological effects. Animal models, such as those investigating osteoarthritis progression, have employed doses of loganin (a key active compound) delivered via injections at concentrations of 30-100 μg/mL. Given the lack of standardized human trials, there is no universally recommended dosage for human consumption. Optimal dosing for specific health benefits in humans requires further rigorous clinical research to determine effective and safe ranges. Users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before initiating supplementation.
FAQs
Is Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract safe?
Current evidence from traditional use and preclinical studies suggests it is generally safe, with no major side effects reported in the literature. However, safety in special populations is not well-studied.
What are the main benefits of Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract?
The primary benefits include immune modulation, significant anti-inflammatory activity, and strong antioxidant properties, supported by in vitro and animal studies.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract?
Animal studies indicate effects may appear over weeks to months, particularly for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. However, human data on the onset of benefits are currently lacking.
Can Asiatic Dogwood Fruit Extract be combined with other herbs or medications?
It is often combined in traditional herbal formulations. While no significant drug interactions have been identified, clinical evidence on specific combinations is limited. Consult a healthcare professional before combining.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9102190/ – This review discusses the traditional uses and phytochemistry of *Cornus mas* fruits, highlighting their immunomodulatory effects. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were found to reduce IL-5, eotaxin, and IgE, indicating potential in allergic responses. The study also noted strong antioxidant activity attributed to the fruit's phenolic content, based on preclinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8618406/ – This experimental study compared *C. mas* and *C. officinalis* fruit extracts, demonstrating their ability to inhibit IL-8 secretion by human neutrophils and intestinal epithelial cells. The findings support the immunomodulatory effects of these extracts, suggesting their role in maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis through in vitro mechanisms.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1309963/full – This comprehensive review focuses on *C. officinalis*, detailing its anti-inflammatory mechanisms in LPS-stimulated macrophages and osteoarthritis rat models. Ethanol extracts significantly reduced Akt phosphorylation and inflammatory cytokines (p ≤ 0.003). An animal model with sufficient group sizes (n≥30) showed that the extract delayed osteoarthritis progression, providing strong preclinical evidence for its anti-inflammatory potential.