Bos Taurus Domesticus Bezoar
Also known as: Bovis Calculus, Bezoar Bovis, Ox bezoar, cattle gallstone, Bos taurus domesticus bezoar
Overview
Bos taurus domesticus bezoar, also known as Bovis Calculus or ox bezoar, is a calcified gallstone naturally formed in the gallbladder of domestic cattle. Composed of bile pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts, it is a traditional medicine ingredient primarily used in East Asian medicine. Its applications include cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, anti-inflammatory purposes, and detoxification. The bezoar contains active compounds like taurine and bile acids, which are believed to contribute to its pharmacological effects. While some experimental and clinical studies exist, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses specifically on the bezoar itself are limited, with most evidence coming from preclinical studies and traditional use.
Benefits
Bos taurus domesticus bezoar exhibits several potential benefits, primarily in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Studies indicate it can reduce blood pressure, improve microcirculation, and alleviate cerebral ischemia injury through vasodilation and anti-thrombotic effects. For instance, animal studies have shown significant blood pressure reduction and neurological improvement when Bovis Calculus is combined with conventional drugs. It also demonstrates neuroprotective potential by reducing neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia through improved reperfusion. Secondary effects include anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, liver protection, and antimicrobial activity, as suggested by traditional use and some literature reviews. Preliminary in vitro research also explores potential anti-cancer mechanisms, particularly in colorectal cancer models, though this evidence is nascent. While animal studies show promising effect sizes, quantitative clinical significance in humans is not well established due to a lack of large-scale RCTs.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Bos taurus domesticus bezoar involves several biological pathways. It is believed to modulate intracellular calcium concentration, leading to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and subsequent vasodilation. The bezoar also promotes endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation, increasing nitric oxide (NO) release, which further contributes to vasodilation. Additionally, it exhibits anti-thrombotic effects, reducing clot formation and improving microcirculation, particularly after ischemic injury. These actions primarily interact with the cardiovascular system by regulating blood pressure and blood flow, and with the nervous system by providing neuroprotection during ischemic events. Known molecular targets include endothelial nitric oxide synthase, calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, and various components of thrombotic pathways. Human absorption and bioavailability are not well characterized.
Side effects
The overall safety assessment for Bos taurus domesticus bezoar is limited due to a lack of rigorous human clinical trials. While traditionally considered safe when used in prescribed doses within traditional medicine, there are no well-documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects reported in clinical studies or animal experiments. However, potential drug interactions are a concern, particularly with cardiovascular medications such as antihypertensives and antiplatelets, due to its observed vasodilatory and antithrombotic effects. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders or hypotension. Contraindications are not well defined. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, including pregnant or lactating individuals, pediatric patients, or the elderly, are currently unavailable, necessitating caution in these groups.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Bos taurus domesticus bezoar is not scientifically established due to a lack of standardized clinical trials. Traditional medicine dosages vary widely, and there is no consensus in scientific literature regarding minimum effective doses, optimal ranges, or maximum safe doses. The safety margins for human consumption remain undefined in clinical research. In animal studies, it has been used acutely in cerebrovascular conditions, but human timing considerations are not established. It is typically administered as a dried powder or in combination with other herbal or pharmaceutical agents. Absorption factors and bioavailability in humans are unknown. It is sometimes combined with conventional drugs, such as indapamide, to potentially enhance its effects, particularly in cerebrovascular conditions.
FAQs
Is Bos taurus domesticus bezoar safe for human use?
While traditional use suggests safety, rigorous clinical safety data from large-scale human trials are lacking. Caution is advised, especially given potential drug interactions.
Can it be used alone or only with other drugs?
Some evidence, primarily from animal studies and observational clinical reports, suggests enhanced efficacy when combined with conventional drugs for cerebrovascular diseases.
How quickly does it work?
Animal studies indicate effects in the acute phases of ischemic injury. However, human data on the onset and duration of action are currently insufficient.
Is it effective for cancer treatment?
Preliminary in vitro and computational studies suggest potential molecular targets for bezoar compounds in colorectal cancer, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use for cancer treatment in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11775449/ – This article discusses the effects of Bovis Calculus, often combined with conventional drugs, on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. It highlights findings from animal studies showing blood pressure reduction, improved vasodilation via the NO pathway, and neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia. The research provides mechanistic insights but notes the limitations of animal models for direct human clinical relevance.
- https://pharmacypractice.org/index.php/pp/article/download/3143/1286/11997 – This source, likely a network pharmacology study, explores the potential molecular targets and mechanisms of Bos taurus domesticus bezoar compounds, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer. It identifies possible pathways and interactions at a molecular level, but emphasizes that these findings are preliminary and lack clinical validation in human subjects.
- https://doaj.org/article/a12bbc1a1a434474a1bf40aedac64eea – This article, likely a literature review or traditional medicine perspective, discusses the broader traditional uses of Bos taurus domesticus bezoar, including its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, liver protective, and antimicrobial activities. It summarizes traditional knowledge and some literature findings, but acknowledges the need for more rigorous scientific validation.
