Ceanothus Americanus Root Extract
Also known as: Red Root, New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus americanus L., Ceanothus americanus
Overview
Ceanothus americanus, commonly known as Red Root or New Jersey Tea, is a North American shrub whose root has a long history of traditional use in Native American medicine. It was historically employed for various ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and as a general tonic. The root extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, which are thought to be responsible for its purported biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and astringent effects. Despite its traditional prominence, modern scientific research on Ceanothus americanus root extract is notably limited, with a scarcity of rigorous clinical studies. The current evidence base is predominantly preclinical or anecdotal, lacking high-quality randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews to substantiate its efficacy or safety in humans.
Benefits
Traditional uses of Ceanothus americanus include the treatment of colds, fever, pneumonia, digestive problems, toothaches, and urinary tract infections. Potential anti-inflammatory effects are hypothesized due to the presence of flavonoids, which may inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Preliminary studies have also suggested possible metabolic benefits, such as the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, though these findings lack clinical confirmation. Currently, there are no quantified clinical effect sizes or statistically significant outcomes from randomized controlled trials to support these benefits. The strength of evidence for any specific benefit is considered very low, relying primarily on historical use and in vitro or animal studies.
How it works
The proposed mechanism of action for Ceanothus americanus root extract primarily revolves around its flavonoid and tannin content. Flavonoids are believed to exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory pathways, potentially inhibiting the production of cytokines and the activity of enzymes involved in inflammation. The tannins present in the extract may contribute to its astringent properties, which could have effects on mucous membranes. While these mechanisms are plausible based on the known properties of these phytochemicals, specific molecular targets and pharmacokinetic data, such as absorption and bioavailability in humans, have not been well characterized or confirmed through rigorous scientific investigation.
Side effects
There is insufficient reliable data regarding the safety and potential side effects of Ceanothus americanus root extract in humans. No well-documented adverse effects, drug interactions, or contraindications have been reported in the limited scientific literature available. While traditional use suggests general tolerability, clinical safety has not been formally established through controlled studies. Due to the lack of comprehensive safety data, caution is advised, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. There are no documented specific risk factors or special population considerations, but this absence of information should not be interpreted as an indication of safety.
Dosage
There are no standardized or clinically established dosing regimens for Ceanothus americanus root extract. The absence of rigorous clinical research means that no data exists on the minimum effective dose, optimal dose, or maximum safe dose for human consumption. Traditional preparations typically involved teas or tinctures made from the root, but the precise dosing and the concentration of bioactive compounds in these preparations varied widely. Without controlled studies, it is impossible to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding dosage, timing considerations, or different dosages for specific purposes. Upper limits and safety thresholds have not been determined.
FAQs
Is Ceanothus americanus root extract effective for immune support or respiratory infections?
Despite traditional claims, there is no high-quality clinical evidence from modern research to support the efficacy of Ceanothus americanus root extract for immune support or respiratory infections.
Is Ceanothus americanus root extract safe to use?
Safety data for Ceanothus americanus root extract in humans are insufficient. Caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, due to the lack of comprehensive safety studies.
How quickly do the effects of Ceanothus americanus root extract appear?
The onset of effects for Ceanothus americanus root extract is unknown. Due to the absence of clinical trials, there is no data to indicate how quickly any potential effects might manifest.
Research Sources
- https://www.greenskybio.com/plant_extract/beyond-the-roots-emerging-health-benefits-of-ceanothus-americanus-extracts.html – This source discusses the emerging health benefits of Ceanothus americanus extracts, highlighting its traditional uses and the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. It suggests potential anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects based on its phytochemical content, but acknowledges the need for further research.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-root – This article provides an overview of Red Root (Ceanothus americanus), detailing its common names, traditional uses in Native American medicine for various conditions like colds and digestive issues. It also touches upon the lack of modern scientific evidence to support many of these traditional claims.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3956726/ – This research article describes a high-throughput screening study of natural products for anti-mitotic effects. It did not identify Ceanothus americanus as a significant cytotoxic or anti-proliferative agent, suggesting limited evidence for its anticancer activity in this context.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7151902/ – This source, likely related to veterinary herbal medicine, notes the astringent effects and potential immune modulation properties of Ceanothus americanus in animals. It highlights that while some effects are observed in animals, human data are still lacking.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-579/new-jersey-tea – This WebMD entry for New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) provides information on its traditional uses and explicitly states that there is insufficient reliable data on its safety or effectiveness in humans. It advises caution due to the lack of scientific evidence.