Aster Tataricus Extract
Also known as: Aster tataricus L. f., Tatarian aster, Zi Wan, Aster tataricus
Overview
Aster tataricus, commonly known as Tatarian aster or Zi Wan in traditional Chinese medicine, is a perennial herb primarily utilized for respiratory ailments such as cough, phlegm, and asthma. The extract of this herb, ATE, is rich in bioactive compounds including saponins, chlorogenic acids, pentapeptides, shionone, and epifriedelanol. It is traditionally applied as an expectorant, antitussive (cough suppressant), bronchodilator, and antiviral agent. Modern research, encompassing in vitro and in vivo studies, supports its immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. While mechanistic studies and animal models provide strong preclinical evidence, systematic reviews focusing solely on ATE are limited, with much of the clinical data derived from its use within broader Chinese herbal formulas.
Benefits
Aster tataricus extract (ATE) demonstrates significant antiviral activity against various strains of Influenza A virus (H1N1, H5N2, H9N2), Newcastle Disease Virus, and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in both in vitro and in vivo models. Studies show it improves survival rates and reduces viral titers and lung pathology in infected mice, indicating strong preclinical evidence for its antiviral potential. For respiratory health, ATE exhibits expectorant and antitussive effects, with specific compounds like shionone and epifriedelanol identified as active constituents. Honey-processed ATE may even enhance these efficacies. Its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties contribute to its traditional use in managing asthma and cough. Clinical evidence, though often from meta-analyses of Chinese herbal formulas containing ATE, suggests benefits in acute lower respiratory infections and improvements in chronic cough severity and quality of life, although the quality of this evidence is moderate to low due to heterogeneity and potential bias.
How it works
Aster tataricus extract (ATE) exerts its effects primarily through immunomodulation and direct antiviral action. It induces the secretion of type I interferon (IFN-β) and various pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby activating robust antiviral immune responses and related gene expression. Its active compounds are believed to modulate innate immunity and directly inhibit viral replication. The anti-inflammatory effects of ATE likely involve the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, which contributes to its efficacy in respiratory conditions. Additionally, its bronchodilatory properties help improve airway function. Bioactive constituents such as saponins and chlorogenic acids are known to possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, further contributing to the extract's therapeutic mechanisms.
Side effects
Acute and subchronic toxicity studies conducted in rats using Aster tataricus extract (ATE) at doses up to 0.34 g/kg body weight have indicated a favorable safety profile, with no significant toxicity observed. While comprehensive documentation of common side effects in humans is limited, its long history of traditional use suggests good tolerability. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications reported in the reviewed literature. Processing methods, such as honey processing, are believed to potentially reduce any inherent toxicity and may even enhance the extract's efficacy. However, as with any herbal supplement, individual sensitivities can vary, and caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions, until more specific human safety data are available.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for isolated Aster tataricus extract (ATE) are not yet well-established through rigorous clinical trials. In traditional Chinese medicine, doses are typically based on the raw herb weight or standardized extract concentrations within complex herbal formulas. For instance, the efficacy of ATE can be influenced by processing methods, such as honey processing, which may alter its potency and absorption. Due to the lack of dedicated human clinical trials for isolated ATE, there are no defined minimum effective doses, maximum safe doses, or upper limits. Individuals interested in using ATE should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, especially when considering its use outside of traditional herbal formulations, to ensure appropriate and safe application.
FAQs
Is ATE effective against viral respiratory infections?
Preclinical studies strongly support ATE's antiviral activity against various viruses, but clinical confirmation in humans is still limited and requires more research.
Can ATE be used for chronic cough?
As part of herbal formulas, ATE may improve chronic cough symptoms and quality of life, but high-quality randomized controlled trials focusing solely on ATE are needed.
Is it safe?
Animal studies suggest ATE is safe at tested doses, and its long traditional use indicates good tolerability, though human-specific safety data are still emerging.
How is it best administered?
ATE is typically administered as part of processed herbal preparations in traditional medicine; isolated extract use requires further research for optimal administration methods.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12265312/ – This in vitro and in vivo study demonstrated that Aster tataricus extract (ATE) exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various influenza viruses and HSV-1. It showed that ATE reduces viral titers, improves survival in infected mice, and activates type I interferon signaling, providing strong preclinical evidence for its antiviral potential.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1581505/full – This source discusses the traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Aster tataricus, highlighting its expectorant, antitussive, and anti-inflammatory effects. It also notes that specific compounds like shionone and epifriedelanol contribute to its efficacy and that honey processing can enhance its therapeutic properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7642815/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of Chinese herbal formulas containing Aster tataricus (e.g., Xiaoer-Feike granules) for acute lower respiratory infections. It suggested potential benefits but noted significant heterogeneity and publication bias among the included studies, indicating moderate quality evidence.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1230604/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on herbal medicines, including Aster tataricus, for chronic cough. It found that these treatments might improve cough severity and quality of life, but the evidence quality was moderate to low due to a high risk of bias and clinical heterogeneity across studies.
- https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/4195 – This study investigated the acute and subchronic toxicity of Aster tataricus extract in rats. It concluded that the extract showed no significant toxicity at doses up to 0.34 g/kg body weight, suggesting a favorable safety profile for the extract in animal models.
