Celastrus Paniculatus Extract
Also known as: Celastrus paniculatus Willd., Intellect tree, Jyotishmati, Malkangani, Celastrus paniculatus
Overview
Celastrus paniculatus is a climbing shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its seeds and seed oil are the primary sources of its bioactive compounds, which include sesquiterpene alkaloids (like celastine and malkanguniol), flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and steroids. It is categorized as a neuroprotective and nootropic botanical extract, primarily valued for its purported cognitive-enhancing, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties. While preclinical animal studies have shown promising results, the overall evidence base for its efficacy and safety in humans remains preliminary. More rigorous human clinical trials are needed to substantiate these traditional claims and establish its role as a therapeutic agent.
Benefits
Celastrus paniculatus has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical animal models. It exhibits neuroprotective effects, safeguarding against neurotoxicity and improving cognitive deficits induced by stress or seizures, with studies showing enhanced memory and decision-making in rodents. The seed oil has also shown significant antidepressant-like activity in mice, likely by modulating neurotransmitter systems and reducing stress hormones. Furthermore, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in respiratory tissues in animal models. Interestingly, it has also been observed to reduce alcohol consumption and improve decision-making in alcohol-dependent mice, with effects comparable to established medications like memantine and naltrexone. While these animal studies show statistically significant improvements, the strength of evidence for human benefits is currently low due to a lack of clinical trials.
How it works
Celastrus paniculatus exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It modulates neurotransmitter systems, including dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic pathways, which contributes to its antidepressant and neuroprotective actions. The extract also possesses significant anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cellular damage and inflammation in neural and other tissues. It has been shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thereby potentially enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission and cognitive function. Bioactive compounds like sesquiterpene alkaloids and flavonoids are believed to modulate glutamate receptors and influence neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), further supporting its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects. While oral administration in animals suggests bioavailability, human pharmacokinetics are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data for Celastrus paniculatus are currently unavailable. Animal studies have not reported significant toxicity at the tested doses, suggesting a relatively low acute toxicity profile in these models. However, the absence of reported side effects in animal studies does not directly translate to human safety. Due to its observed effects on neurotransmitter systems, there is a theoretical potential for interactions with other central nervous system (CNS)-active drugs, although formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted. Contraindications for its use are not established, and there is no data regarding its safety during pregnancy, lactation, or for pediatric use. Therefore, caution is advised, and its use in these special populations should be avoided until more robust human safety data become available.
Dosage
There are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Celastrus paniculatus in humans due to the lack of rigorous randomized controlled trials. Dosage information is primarily derived from preclinical animal studies, where effective doses vary depending on the specific extract form and the intended effect. For instance, seed oil has been used at 1 g/kg orally in mice for anti-inflammatory effects, and various doses have been explored for neuroprotection and behavioral improvements. Benefits in animal models are typically observed with repeated dosing over periods ranging from days to weeks, suggesting that chronic administration may be necessary for therapeutic effects. The primary forms studied are seed oil and seed extract. Without human clinical data, specific recommendations for dosage, timing, or upper safety limits cannot be provided for human consumption.
FAQs
Is Celastrus paniculatus safe for humans?
Safety in humans is not well established. While animal studies suggest low toxicity, comprehensive clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety profile and identify potential side effects in humans.
How quickly does it work?
Animal studies indicate that observed effects typically manifest within 1 to 4 weeks of consistent treatment, suggesting it may not provide immediate benefits.
Can it be used for depression or cognitive decline?
Preclinical evidence supports potential benefits for depression and cognitive enhancement. However, human efficacy is currently unproven, and it should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments.
Are there known drug interactions?
Due to its effects on the central nervous system, potential interactions with other CNS-active drugs exist. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted, so caution is advised.
Research Sources
- https://phcog.com/article/sites/default/files/PhcogMag-18-78-400.pdf – This preclinical RCT in mice investigated Celastrus paniculatus seed oil's effect on LPS-induced respiratory inflammation. It found that the seed oil significantly reduced inflammation and immune cell infiltration, comparable to theophylline, suggesting anti-inflammatory properties. The study was limited by its animal model and small sample size.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10279989/ – This preclinical RCT in rats explored Celastrus paniculatus seed extract's impact on seizure severity and cognitive deficits. The study demonstrated that the extract reduced seizure severity and improved cognitive function, exhibiting anti-cholinesterase activity and neuroprotective effects. Limitations include its animal model and lack of human clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4892330/ – This preclinical RCT in mice examined the antidepressant-like effects of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil. It concluded that the seed oil produced significant antidepressant-like activity, likely through neurotransmitter modulation and reduction of corticosterone levels. The study was an animal model, and human data is needed.
- https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/5197 – This preclinical RCT in mice investigated Celastrus paniculatus's effects on alcohol dependence. The study found that the extract reduced alcohol consumption and improved decision-making, with effects comparable to memantine and naltrexone. This research was limited to an animal model and focused specifically on alcohol dependence.
