Bryonia alba
Also known as: White bryony, Wild hop, English mandrake, Bryonia alba
Overview
Bryonia alba, also known as White Bryony, is a perennial climbing vine native to Europe and parts of Asia. Traditionally, it has been utilized in homeopathy and herbal medicine, primarily for its purported anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Its historical applications include addressing respiratory conditions, alleviating rheumatic pain, and acting as an immunostimulant. Recent research, though still emerging, has begun to explore its immunomodulatory effects and potential as a prophylactic agent, particularly in the context of viral infections. However, it is crucial to note that high-quality clinical evidence supporting its efficacy is currently limited, and comprehensive systematic reviews focusing specifically on Bryonia alba are scarce. The plant is often used in highly diluted homeopathic preparations, as the crude plant material contains toxic compounds.
Benefits
Emerging research suggests several potential benefits for Bryonia alba, primarily in its homeopathic preparations. Preclinical studies indicate significant immunomodulatory effects; for instance, a study in immunocompromised mice demonstrated that various homeopathic potencies of Bryonia alba improved immune parameters such as red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and enhanced the production of key cytokines like IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, suggesting a robust immune-stimulating effect and protection of spleen tissue. This evidence is considered moderate due to being an animal model, but it provides a foundation for further human research. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving a quarantined population exposed to COVID-19 showed a trend (p < 0.10) towards reduced incidence of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and shorter illness duration with Bryonia alba 30C, along with fewer hospitalizations compared to placebo. While this finding is promising, it is not conventionally statistically significant and requires further validation. Conversely, a systematic review and meta-analysis of herbal medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) did not specifically highlight Bryonia alba, and generally found no significant improvement in pulmonary function parameters from herbal adjunct therapies, indicating a lack of strong evidence for its use in improving pulmonary function.
How it works
Bryonia alba appears to exert its effects primarily through immunomodulation. Preclinical studies suggest it enhances immune responses by increasing the production of crucial cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. It also seems to improve immune cell counts and overall function, particularly in immunocompromised models. While the exact molecular targets and pathways are not fully elucidated, the mechanism likely involves the activation of various immune cells and the modulation of anti-inflammatory pathways. It's important to note that the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of Bryonia alba in humans are not well characterized, especially given its frequent use in highly diluted homeopathic potencies, which complicates the understanding of its direct pharmacological actions.
Side effects
At the highly diluted homeopathic potencies typically used in studies, Bryonia alba has not been reported to cause significant adverse effects. However, it is critical to understand that the crude plant material, particularly the root and berries of Bryonia alba, is known to be toxic if ingested. This toxicity is attributed to its cucurbitacin content, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious systemic effects. Therefore, the safety profile of Bryonia alba is highly dependent on its preparation and dosage; only highly diluted homeopathic forms are considered safe for internal use. There are no reported drug interactions or contraindications specifically noted in the reviewed studies for homeopathic preparations, but due to the limited clinical safety data, caution is advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children should avoid its use due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
Clinical studies investigating Bryonia alba have primarily utilized homeopathic potencies. For instance, in a trial exploring its potential prophylactic use against COVID-19, Bryonia alba 30C was administered as pills twice daily for a duration of 3 days. Preclinical studies in mice have explored various potencies, including 6C, 30C, and 200C, but these findings do not directly translate to human equivalent dosing. Currently, there is no established minimum effective dose or maximum safe dose derived from high-quality, large-scale clinical trials for Bryonia alba. Due to the inherent toxicity of the crude plant, it is crucial that any use of Bryonia alba be strictly limited to highly diluted homeopathic preparations. Users should adhere to the specific instructions provided by qualified homeopathic practitioners or product labels, as standard dosage guidelines for non-homeopathic forms are not available and would be unsafe.
FAQs
Is Bryonia alba effective for immune support?
Preclinical evidence suggests immune stimulation in immunocompromised mice, showing improved immune parameters and cytokine production. However, human clinical evidence is limited and inconclusive, requiring further research.
Is Bryonia alba safe to use?
Homeopathic doses of Bryonia alba appear safe based on current studies. However, the raw plant material is highly toxic due to cucurbitacins and should never be ingested. Safety depends entirely on the preparation and dilution.
Can Bryonia alba prevent COVID-19?
A preliminary trial showed a trend towards reduced COVID-19 incidence and severity with Bryonia alba 30C, but the results were not statistically significant and require further validation through larger, more robust studies.
How is Bryonia alba typically administered?
Bryonia alba is most commonly administered as homeopathic pellets, often at a 30C potency, as seen in clinical trials. It is taken orally according to specific homeopathic guidelines.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39739872/ – This preclinical randomized controlled trial in immunocompromised mice demonstrated that homeopathic potencies of Bryonia alba (6C, 30C, 200C) significantly improved immune parameters, including blood cell counts and cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-4, TNF-α, IFN-γ), and preserved spleen histology, suggesting potent immunomodulatory effects.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0041-1735235?device=desktop&innerWidth=412&offsetWidth=412 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 2,294 quarantined individuals explored Bryonia alba 30C for COVID-19 prophylaxis. It found a trend (p < 0.10) towards lower incidence of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and shorter illness duration, with fewer hospitalizations, suggesting potential prophylactic benefits, though not conventionally statistically significant.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3984792/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated herbal medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While not specific to Bryonia alba, it concluded that herbal adjunct therapies generally showed no significant improvement in pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FEV%, FVC), indicating a lack of strong evidence for herbal interventions in this context.
Supplements Containing Bryonia alba
MET TOX
MICRO-WEST
Kids Cough & Mucus Nighttime
Hyland's
Baby Mucus + Cold Relief Daytime
Hyland's
Baby Mucus + Cold Relief Daytime
Hyland's
Kids Cough & Mucus Nighttime
Hyland's
Kids Cough & Mucus Daytime
Hyland's
MUNDIPUR Oral Drops
MUNDIPUR
NON-DROWSY Flu Relief
equate™