Certified Organic Helichrysum Extract
Also known as: Immortelle, curry plant, everlasting flower, H. italicum, Helichrysum italicum
Overview
Helichrysum italicum, commonly known as Immortelle or curry plant, is a Mediterranean herb valued for its essential oils and extracts. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and metabolic health properties. The extract, typically derived from the aerial parts of the plant, is available as an essential oil, hydrosol, or in supplement form for both internal consumption and topical application. While extensive in vitro and animal studies support its potential benefits, human clinical trials, especially high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the extract as a single component, are still limited. Current evidence suggests a moderate level of research quality, with many human studies involving multi-component formulations rather than isolated H. italicum extract.
Benefits
Helichrysum italicum shows promising benefits across several health domains. For metabolic syndrome, a randomized double-blind study involving 27 participants demonstrated that daily consumption of H. italicum infusion for 28 days significantly reduced body weight, BMI, visceral and total body fat, and improved antioxidant status. This suggests potential for managing metabolic health. In terms of glycemic control, rat models indicated that H. italicum extracts effectively inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, leading to reduced postprandial blood glucose and improved insulin resistance markers. This preclinical evidence points to its potential role in blood sugar management. Furthermore, both essential oil and hydrosol forms exhibit strong antioxidant activity, primarily through free radical scavenging, and significant antimicrobial effects against various pathogens, with the essential oil being more potent. Clinical trials have reported no adverse effects with internal use, suggesting a favorable safety profile for these benefits.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Helichrysum italicum are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and other polyphenols. These compounds are believed to inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase, thereby reducing the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract and helping to manage postprandial blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant activity stems from its ability to scavenge free radicals, as demonstrated by assays like DPPH, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. The antimicrobial effects are thought to involve the disruption of bacterial adhesion and growth, particularly against foodborne pathogens. The essential oils, rich in secondary metabolites, also contribute significantly to its overall biological activity, though their exact composition can vary based on the plant's origin and processing methods.
Side effects
Helichrysum italicum extract is generally considered safe for internal use, with no significant adverse effects reported in the clinical trials reviewed. However, it is important to note that essential oils derived from H. italicum have shown higher cytotoxicity in vitro compared to hydrosols, suggesting that topical application, especially of concentrated essential oils, should be approached with caution. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in the available literature. Specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, have not been adequately studied, and therefore, its use in these groups should be avoided or undertaken with medical supervision. While generally safe, individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized dosage for Helichrysum italicum extract due to limited high-quality clinical trials. The primary human study demonstrating metabolic benefits utilized a daily infusion of H. italicum for 28 days, consistent with traditional herbal tea preparations, but the exact quantifiable dose was not specified. Animal studies have employed various extract doses that effectively inhibited enzymes and improved glucose metabolism, but these findings require further research to establish human equivalent doses. Given the lack of extensive clinical data, there is no established maximum safe dose or upper limit. It is advisable to follow manufacturer guidelines for specific products or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations, especially since the form and concentration of the extract can vary significantly.
FAQs
Is it safe to consume Helichrysum italicum internally?
Yes, current clinical data indicate that internal consumption of H. italicum is generally safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in studies.
Can Helichrysum italicum help with blood sugar control?
Animal studies and limited human data suggest potential benefits in glycemic control by inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, which may reduce postprandial glucose.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Helichrysum italicum?
In a study on metabolic syndrome, benefits such as reduced body weight and improved antioxidant status were observed after 28 days of daily intake.
Is Helichrysum italicum effective when used alone?
Most clinical evidence involves multi-component formulations; more randomized controlled trials focusing solely on H. italicum extract are needed to confirm its efficacy as a standalone supplement.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8399527/ – This review and clinical trial analysis assessed the safety and efficacy of H. italicum. It concluded that internal use appears safe, but definitive efficacy is not yet established due to a lack of RCTs focusing on H. italicum as a single component, often being part of multi-ingredient formulations. The study highlights the need for more rigorous research.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf4021569 – This preclinical study investigated H. italicum's effects on glycemic control using in vitro and animal models. It found that H. italicum extracts effectively inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, leading to reduced postprandial blood glucose and improved insulin resistance markers in rats. This provides strong preclinical evidence for its anti-diabetic potential.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9404988/ – This research explored the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of H. italicum essential oil and hydrosol. It demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and significant antimicrobial effects against various pathogens, with the essential oil showing greater potency. The study contributes to understanding the plant's protective mechanisms against oxidative stress and microbial infections.
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2022/fo/d2fo00880g – This randomized double-blind comparative study involved 27 adults with metabolic syndrome traits. Participants consuming H. italicum infusion daily for 28 days showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, visceral and total body fat, and improved antioxidant status. While promising, the study's small sample size and lack of a placebo control suggest preliminary findings.