Aucubin
Also known as: Aucubin, Iridoid Glycoside, Aucubigenin
Overview
Aucubin is an iridoid glycoside found in a variety of plant species including *Eucommia ulmoides*, *Verbascum*, and *Plantago asiatica*. This compound has garnered interest for its potential therapeutic applications due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Characterized by high polarity, aucubin is easily extractable and separable through various chromatography techniques. The research surrounding aucubin mostly consists of preclinical studies, with significant preclinical evidence demonstrating its potential effects in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, a lack of large-scale human clinical trials hampers a full understanding of its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Aucubin is primarily recognized for its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In experimental studies, it has been observed to alleviate symptoms of methotrexate-induced enteritis by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and promoting autophagy. It also exhibits potential anxiolytic, antidepressant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties, although these effects require more rigorous investigation. The available data predominantly stems from animal studies and in vitro research, demonstrating promising results yet lacking quantifiable effect sizes for human applications. Therefore, its benefits are largely theoretical and demand further exploration in human clinical settings.
How it works
Aucubin's efficacy stems from its ability to inhibit key inflammatory pathways, notably the NF-κB signaling pathway, while inducing autophagy processes. By modulating the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, aucubin effectively mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress. Its interactions with the gastrointestinal, nervous, and immune systems inform its potential therapeutic actions, although detailed bioavailability studies in humans are still lacking.
Side effects
Currently, aucubin is regarded as generally safe based on animal studies, but human safety data is sparse. Common side effects in humans have not been documented due to the absence of large-scale trials. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications reported, yet caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Given limited human data, users should consult healthcare professionals before commencing any form of aucubin supplementation. Adverse events, if any, have not been rigorously studied, leaving its safety profile uncertain.
Dosage
Determining optimal dosages for aucubin in humans is complicated due to limited research. Studies in animals have used varying doses ranging from 1 to 80 mg/kg, but safe and effective doses for human use have not been established. Timing and form-specific recommendations remain unspecified, and the absorption of aucubin may be influenced by its high polarity. Without definitive human trials, maximum safe doses or thresholds cannot be outlined, stressing the need for caution in its application.
FAQs
Is aucubin safe for human consumption?
While aucubin shows a safety profile in animal studies, human data is limited. Consultation with healthcare providers is recommended before use.
What are the expected benefits of aucubin?
Aucubin may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, but these benefits are primarily documented in animal studies rather than confirmed in humans.
How is aucubin typically administered?
Administered orally, aucubin's specific dosage and timing recommendations for humans are yet to be established.
Are there any known side effects of aucubin?
Side effects have not been clearly documented due to limited human trials, making its long-term use uncertain.
Why is aucubin not commonly available as a supplement?
The limited evidence from human studies and need for further research contribute to its rarity in the supplement market.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1440-1681.13810 – This study investigates the pharmacological effects of aucubin, particularly highlighting its role in alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental models.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/10/4154 – Researchers discuss aucubin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, calling attention to its therapeutic potential while noting the predominance of animal studies in the literature.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337643045_A_review_of_the_pharmacology_and_toxicology_of_aucubin – This review provides insights into the pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of aucubin, emphasizing the need for more clinical trials in humans to assess safety and efficacy.
- https://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/21/6/1037 – This article presents findings on the biological activities of aucubin and highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent, underlining the lack of systematic reviews on its effects in humans.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371736965_Biological_Activities_and_Analytical_Methods_for_Detecting_Aucubin_and_Catalpol_Iridoid_Glycosides_in_Plantago_Species_A_Review_Study – The review covers various biological activities of aucubin and methods for detection in plant species, stressing the importance of further studies to comprehend its mechanisms and potential health benefits.
