Cassia Nomame Extract
Also known as: Cassia nomame, Japanese cassia, Cassia mimosoides var. nomame
Overview
Cassia nomame, scientifically known as *Cassia mimosoides* var. *nomame*, is an annual or short-lived perennial plant belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). The above-ground parts of this plant are utilized in herbal supplements, traditionally for addressing obesity, constipation, and promoting increased urine output. However, it's crucial to note that current scientific evidence supporting these applications remains limited. The plant contains bioactive compounds, including anthraquinone derivatives, which are thought to contribute to its purported health effects. Research on Cassia nomame is still in its early stages, with a need for more rigorous, high-quality studies to validate its claimed benefits and ensure its safety. The available evidence is largely insufficient to support its widespread use, highlighting the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before considering it as a supplement.
Benefits
Currently, there is a lack of robust evidence from high-quality human studies to definitively support the claimed benefits of Cassia nomame. An in vivo study suggests that a standardized ethanol extract of Cassia mimosoides var. nomame (EECM) may have anti-obesity effects by suppressing adipogenesis and lipogenesis in mice. This study found that EECM significantly alleviated body weight gain and body fat accumulation in high-fat diet-fed mice. The same study indicated that EECM regulated adipogenic hormones and restored the gut microbiome composition, which could have secondary benefits on metabolic health. However, these findings are preliminary and require confirmation through well-designed human clinical trials before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about its efficacy in humans.
How it works
The anti-obesity effects of Cassia nomame extract (EECM) are suggested to be mediated through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. This pathway downregulates the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. EECM interacts with adipose tissue, the liver, and the gut microbiome to exert its effects on body weight and fat accumulation. The molecular targets include CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, and fatty acid synthase. However, the absorption and bioavailability of Cassia nomame extract in humans are not well understood.
Side effects
Due to insufficient reliable information, the overall safety of Cassia nomame when taken orally is undetermined. There are no reliably documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects. There is also no available information on potential drug interactions. Given the lack of safety data, it is recommended to avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is insufficient information to guide the use of Cassia nomame in special populations such as children, the elderly, or those with specific health conditions. More comprehensive research is needed to fully understand the potential adverse effects and safety profile of Cassia nomame.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for Cassia nomame due to the lack of high-quality human studies. There are no specific timing considerations or form-specific recommendations documented. The factors affecting absorption are also not well-studied, and there is no information on required cofactors. Given the limited evidence, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using Cassia nomame for any health condition. Until more research is available, caution is advised regarding its use.
FAQs
Is Cassia nomame safe?
The safety of Cassia nomame is not well-established, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
How should I take Cassia nomame?
There is no specific guidance on the timing or administration of Cassia nomame due to a lack of sufficient research.
What results can I expect from taking Cassia nomame?
Given the limited evidence, it is difficult to predict the expected results of using Cassia nomame. Claims of weight loss are not well-supported.
Is Cassia nomame proven to help with weight loss?
One common misconception is that Cassia nomame is proven to aid in weight loss, which is not supported by current scientific evidence.
Research Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1504/cassia-nomame – WebMD provides a general overview of Cassia nomame, stating that there is no good scientific evidence to support its uses for obesity, constipation, or other conditions. This overview serves as a preliminary source of information but lacks detailed scientific analysis and primary research data, indicating low-quality evidence.
- https://f1000research.com/articles/8-256 – This article discusses systematic review filters, which are tools used to identify systematic reviews in databases. While not specific to Cassia nomame, it provides context on the methodology used to assess the quality of evidence in research.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36771320/ – This in vivo study investigates the effects of a standardized ethanol extract of Cassia mimosoides var. nomame (EECM) on high-fat diet-fed mice. The study found that EECM suppressed adipogenesis and lipogenesis, alleviated body weight gain and body fat accumulation, and regulated adipogenic hormones and gut microbiome composition, suggesting potential anti-obesity effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32293681/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the role of the Cassia genus in treating constipation. While it highlights the laxative potential of Cassia species, it does not provide substantial evidence specific to Cassia nomame for constipation treatment, indicating methodological limitations due to the inclusion of various Cassia species and the lack of specific data on Cassia nomame.
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