Chaenomeles Speciosa Fruit Extract
Also known as: Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, Chinese flowering quince, flowering quince, CSFTE, Chaenomeles speciosa
Overview
Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract is derived from the fruit of a deciduous shrub native to temperate East Asia, particularly China. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine and food applications. The extract contains diverse phytochemicals including flavonoids, organic acids, polysaccharides, and saponins. Its primary applications are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and metabolic regulation, with emerging evidence for renal protection and uric acid lowering effects. Research on C. speciosa is moderately mature, with a growing number of preclinical and some clinical studies, but limited high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews specifically on the fruit extract in humans. It is categorized as a botanical extract, traditional medicinal plant extract, and phytochemical supplement.
Benefits
Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract shows several promising benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It has demonstrated significant anti-hyperuricemic effects, with a controlled animal study showing that the total extract (CSFTE) reduced serum uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in hyperuricemic rats. This effect was linked to xanthine oxidase inhibition and regulation of renal urate transporters (URAT1, GLUT9, OAT1, OAT3), even outperforming allopurinol in improving renal injury markers in this model. Various fractions of the extract, including polysaccharides, saponins, and total flavonoids, exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in animal models, likely by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and suppressing lymphocyte proliferation. Additionally, the extract possesses antioxidant properties due to its rich content of flavonoids and phenolics, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Broader pharmacological effects such as anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, and neuroprotective properties have also been reported, though these are mostly based on preclinical evidence.
How it works
Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract exerts its effects through several mechanisms. For its anti-hyperuricemic action, the extract inhibits xanthine oxidase, an enzyme crucial for uric acid synthesis, thereby reducing uric acid production. It also modulates the expression of renal urate transporters such as URAT1, GLUT9, OAT1, and OAT3, which are involved in uric acid reabsorption and excretion, thus promoting uric acid elimination. Its anti-inflammatory properties stem from its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and PGE2, modulate T lymphocyte populations, and inhibit lymphocyte proliferation. The extract's rich content of flavonoids and phenolics contributes to its antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress within the body.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data for Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract from randomized controlled trials are currently unavailable. However, traditional use and animal studies suggest a generally favorable safety profile. No significant adverse effects have been reported in animal studies at the tested doses. Despite its traditional use, the potential for interactions with drugs affecting uric acid metabolism or immune modulation has not been systematically studied. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals taking medications that influence these pathways. As with any supplement, individual sensitivities may vary, and due to the lack of extensive human clinical data, potential rare or idiosyncratic reactions cannot be entirely ruled out. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract due to the lack of clinical trials in humans. Animal studies investigating its hypouricemic effects used doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg body weight. Translating animal dosages to humans is complex and requires careful consideration, as direct conversion is not always appropriate. The specific form of the extract and its bioavailability factors are also not well characterized, which can significantly influence effective dosing. Without human clinical data, any dosage recommendations would be speculative. Therefore, it is crucial to await further research to determine safe and effective human dosages. Consumers should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using this supplement.
FAQs
Is Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract effective for gout or hyperuricemia in humans?
Currently, evidence for its effectiveness in humans is limited to promising animal models. Human randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy for gout or hyperuricemia in people.
Are there known drug interactions with Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract?
Known drug interactions are not systematically studied. Caution is advised, especially if you are taking urate-lowering or immunosuppressive drugs, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
How soon might the effects of Chaenomeles speciosa fruit extract appear?
In animal models, effects on uric acid levels were observed after 14 days of consistent treatment. The timeline for effects in humans is unknown due to a lack of clinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10890149/ – This study investigated the anti-hyperuricemic effects of Chaenomeles speciosa fruit total extract (CSFTE) in hyperuricemic rats. It found that CSFTE significantly reduced serum uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, demonstrating xanthine oxidase inhibition and regulation of renal urate transporters. The study concluded that CSFTE improved renal injury markers more effectively than allopurinol in this animal model, suggesting its potential for treating hyperuricemia and related kidney damage.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3917013/ – This review summarized multiple preclinical studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of various Chaenomeles speciosa fractions. It identified active compounds, such as quercetin, that contribute to these effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production like TNF-α. The review highlighted the potential of C. speciosa as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, though it noted the absence of human randomized controlled trials at the time of publication.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/9591845 – This comprehensive review provided an overview of the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of Chaenomeles speciosa extracts. It highlighted the extract's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and neuroprotective properties, primarily based on in vitro and animal studies. The review emphasized the diverse therapeutic potential of C. speciosa due to its rich phytochemical profile, while also indicating the need for more human clinical research.