Stellaria Extract
Also known as: Stellaria media (L.) Vill., common chickweed, chickweed, Stellaria dichotoma var. lanceolata, Stellaria media
Overview
Stellaria media, commonly known as chickweed, is a widely distributed herbaceous plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its potential anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and dermatological benefits. The plant is rich in various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, anthraquinones, and oligosaccharides, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. While preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have explored its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing capabilities, human clinical trials are limited. The current evidence base primarily supports its potential through mechanistic insights and animal studies, with a notable absence of systematic reviews or meta-analyses on human efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Stellaria media extract demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It exhibits significant gastroprotective effects, as shown in rat models where methanolic extract protected against piroxicam-induced gastric ulcers, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Strong antioxidant activity has been consistently observed in multiple studies, attributed to its high phenolic and flavonoid content, measured by assays like DPPH and TEAC. The extract also shows anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential; a related species, *Stellaria dichotoma var. lanceolata*, suppressed inflammatory signaling (NF-κB, MAPK pathways) and cytokine production in macrophages, reducing lethality in infected mice. In vitro studies suggest antimicrobial activity against bacteria like *E. coli* and *S. aureus*, and enhanced wound healing in human dermal fibroblasts. Other reported benefits, such as anti-obesity, analgesic, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, and anti-proliferative effects, are largely based on preliminary or ethnopharmacological reports and require robust clinical validation.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Stellaria media are primarily attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the inhibition of key inflammatory signaling pathways, specifically NF-κB and MAPK, which leads to a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. The potent antioxidant activity stems from its phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby mitigating oxidative stress. While the exact molecular mechanisms for its antimicrobial effects are less characterized, they may involve disrupting bacterial cell membranes or inhibiting microbial enzymes. The synergistic action of various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and oligosaccharides like stellariose, is thought to contribute to its overall efficacy. Human absorption and bioavailability data are currently not well established.
Side effects
Currently, there are no significant safety concerns reported in animal studies at tested doses for Stellaria media. In vitro toxicity studies have shown no cytotoxicity to human dermal fibroblasts at concentrations tested. However, human safety data for Stellaria media extracts are scarce, and formal clinical safety assessments are lacking. While traditional use suggests a low toxicity profile, the absence of rigorous clinical trials means that potential adverse effects, their severity, and frequency in humans are not well documented. Due to the limited clinical data, there are no established drug interactions or contraindications. Individuals should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Stellaria media, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications, as comprehensive safety information is not yet available.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for Stellaria media extract derived from human clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized methanolic extracts at doses appropriate for animal models, such as in rats, but these doses cannot be directly translated to human equivalent doses without further research. Formulations tested in vitro include methanolic extracts and liposomal encapsulations, which were shown to enhance delivery. However, optimal human dosing, timing of administration, and any potential cofactors that might enhance its effects remain undetermined. Due to the lack of clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been defined. Any use of Stellaria media should be approached with caution, given the absence of standardized dosage recommendations.
FAQs
Is Stellaria media effective for ulcers?
Preclinical evidence from animal studies suggests that Stellaria media extract possesses gastroprotective effects, helping to reduce gastric lesions in rat models of ulcers.
Is Stellaria media safe for human consumption?
While traditional use and in vitro studies suggest a low toxicity profile, comprehensive clinical safety data in humans are currently insufficient. Formal safety assessments are lacking.
How should Stellaria media be taken?
There are no standardized human dosing guidelines. Supplements vary widely in concentration and form, and optimal dosage, timing, and cofactors are not yet determined.
Can Stellaria media help with inflammation?
Animal and cell studies indicate that Stellaria media has anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting key inflammatory signaling pathways and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Research Sources
- https://www.pjps.pk/uploads/2023/09/1693574408.pdf – This study investigated the gastroprotective effects of Stellaria media methanolic extract in piroxicam-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. It found that the extract significantly reduced gastric lesions and confirmed its antioxidant activity, suggesting a protective role against gastric damage in an animal model.
- https://pharmacophorejournal.com/article/characterization-in-terms-of-phytochemical-content-and-medicinal-potential-of-the-stellaria-media-pl-qjy0nmm4f9vyf8o – This research characterized the phytochemical content of Stellaria media and evaluated its medicinal potential through in vitro assays. It demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects, noting that liposomal formulations enhanced the extract's activity in human dermal fibroblasts.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7284062/ – This systematic literature review compiled various preclinical studies on Stellaria media, identifying its bioactive compounds and a range of pharmacological activities. It provides a comprehensive overview of the plant's potential, though it highlights the lack of clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30452471/ – This study focused on an extract from Stellaria dichotoma var. lanceolata (a related species), demonstrating its ability to inhibit inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, MAPK) and reduce cytokine production in murine macrophages. It also showed reduced lethality in Mycobacterium abscessus-infected mice, indicating immunomodulatory effects.
