Cassia Nomame
Also known as: Cassia nomame, Cassia mimosoides, Cassia mimosoides var. nomame
Overview
Cassia nomame, scientifically known as Cassia mimosoides var. nomame, is a botanical supplement traditionally used in herbal medicine. Extracts from this plant are primarily investigated for their purported antioxidant and metabolic health benefits. Native to East Asia, it has been studied in preliminary in vitro and animal models for its potential effects on obesity, lipid metabolism, and general antioxidant activity. While some research suggests promising effects, human clinical data are very limited, and no high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Cassia nomame have been identified. The quality of evidence is considered preliminary, and significant safety concerns, including a reported case of fatal liver toxicity, warrant extreme caution regarding its use. It is important to note that Cassia nomame is related to, but distinct from, Cassia cinnamon species.
Benefits
Preliminary research, primarily from animal studies, suggests potential benefits of Cassia nomame, though human evidence is lacking and safety concerns are significant. * **Anti-obesity and Lipid-Lowering Effects:** A 2023 study in high-fat diet-induced obese mice showed that a standardized ethanol extract of Cassia mimosoides var. nomame (EECM) significantly reduced triglycerides (e.g., from 112.25 mg/dL to 63.00 mg/dL at 300 mg/kg dose, p < 0.001) and modestly improved total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. This suggests a potential role in managing lipid profiles and obesity, but these findings are from animal models and have not been replicated in humans. * **Antioxidant Activity:** In vitro analyses of Cassia nomame components have demonstrated antioxidant properties, indicating its potential to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. However, these in vitro findings do not directly translate to clinical benefits in humans, and further research is needed to confirm any in vivo antioxidant effects. No robust human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews are available to support these benefits in humans. The evidence base is considered weak, and any potential benefits must be weighed against significant safety concerns.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Cassia nomame are largely based on preclinical observations. Its anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects are thought to be mediated by the modulation of lipid metabolism pathways, as evidenced by improvements in lipid profiles in animal models. The specific molecular targets and pathways involved are not yet well-characterized, and data on absorption and bioavailability in humans are lacking. The antioxidant effects are attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids within the plant extract, which are known to possess free radical scavenging properties. The ethanol-based extraction method used in some studies may concentrate these bioactive polyphenols. However, a comprehensive understanding of its interaction with human biological systems requires further research.
Side effects
The safety profile of Cassia nomame is a significant concern due to limited human data and a documented case of severe adverse effects. A notable safety concern is a reported case of fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with the consumption of a supplement containing Cassia nomame, as documented by the French ANSES agency. This indicates a potential for severe liver toxicity, even leading to death, in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, Cassia species, including those related to Cassia nomame, are known to contain coumarin, a compound that can cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity) at high doses or in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. Common side effects are not well-documented due to the scarcity of human clinical trials. Caution is strongly advised for individuals with any pre-existing liver disease or those taking other hepatotoxic medications, as the risk of adverse interactions or exacerbated liver damage is unknown but potentially high. Comprehensive drug interaction studies are not available, making it difficult to predict interactions with prescription medications or other supplements. Given the severe reported adverse event, the use of Cassia nomame should be approached with extreme caution, and medical consultation is highly recommended before considering its use.
Dosage
There are no established or recommended human dosing guidelines for Cassia nomame due to the lack of human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized ethanol extract doses ranging from 100-300 mg/kg, but these doses cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. The safety margins and maximum safe doses in humans are entirely unknown. Given the presence of coumarin in related Cassia species and the documented case of fatal liver toxicity, any potential human dosage should be extremely conservative, if considered at all, to mitigate the risk of hepatotoxicity. There is no data available regarding optimal timing of administration, specific formulations, or how absorption factors might influence efficacy or safety. Without robust human safety and efficacy data, any use of Cassia nomame carries significant risks, and self-dosing is strongly discouraged.
FAQs
Is Cassia nomame safe to consume?
No, there is a documented case of fatal liver toxicity associated with a supplement containing Cassia nomame. Its safety is highly uncertain, and extreme caution is advised due to potential severe adverse effects.
Does Cassia nomame help with weight loss?
Animal studies suggest potential lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects. However, there is no human clinical trial evidence to confirm these benefits for weight loss in people.
How quickly might benefits appear if I take Cassia nomame?
Animal studies lasted several weeks to show effects. However, due to the lack of human data and significant safety concerns, there is no information on how quickly any potential benefits might appear in humans.
Is Cassia nomame the same as Cassia cinnamon?
No, they are related but distinct plants. Both belong to the Cassia genus and may contain coumarin, which is a compound associated with liver risks.
Research Sources
- https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Analysis_of_the_components_of_i_Cassia_nomame_i_and_their_antioxidant_activity/27677653 – This study analyzed the components of Cassia nomame and evaluated their antioxidant activity in vitro. It found promising free radical scavenging effects, suggesting potential antioxidant properties, but did not provide clinical correlation or in vivo data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9920205/ – This in vivo mouse study investigated the effects of an ethanol extract of Cassia mimosoides var. nomame on high-fat diet-induced obesity. It reported significant reductions in triglycerides and modest improvements in cholesterol parameters, indicating potential anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects in animal models.
- https://www.anses.fr/en/system/files/NUT2019SA0136EN.pdf – This report from the French ANSES agency documented a fatal case of fulminant hepatitis linked to a supplement containing Cassia nomame. This case report highlights a serious safety concern regarding potential severe liver toxicity associated with Cassia nomame consumption.
Supplements Containing Cassia Nomame
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