Cicada Slough
Also known as: Cicada exuviae, Chantui, Cryptotympana atrata, Periostracum cicadae, Cicada Slough
Overview
Cicada slough, also known as cicada exuviae or Chantui in traditional Chinese medicine, refers to the shed exoskeleton of cicadas, primarily from species like *Cryptotympana atrata* and *Periostracum cicadae*. This natural product is utilized for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and renal protective properties. Its bioactive compounds include cicada polysaccharides, N(6)-(2-Hydroxyethyl)adenosine (HEA), and chitin-related compounds. Traditionally, it has been applied for kidney-related conditions, skin protection against oxidative stress, and inflammatory modulation. While research is emerging, with a focus on preclinical and some limited clinical studies, the evidence base is moderate but growing. Most studies are preclinical, with a few human trials, particularly concerning chitosan, a derivative. No large-scale systematic reviews or meta-analyses exclusively on cicada slough have been published, indicating a need for further high-level evidence.
Benefits
Cicada slough shows promising benefits, particularly in renal protection and anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects. Preclinical animal models demonstrate that cicada slough extracts can improve lipid metabolism, reduce albuminuria, and mitigate renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. This is achieved by modulating inflammatory pathways (TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad) and reducing inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and oxidative stress markers. In vitro studies using human keratinocyte cells indicate that extracts reduce UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, a controlled clinical study involving 80 renal failure patients showed that chitosan, a derivative of chitin found in cicada slough, significantly lowered serum cholesterol, urea, and creatinine, and improved hemoglobin levels and patient well-being over 12 weeks. While animal and in vitro data are robust, human evidence is currently limited to this single controlled trial, suggesting potential but requiring more extensive clinical validation.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of cicada slough are attributed to its ability to modulate key biological pathways. Its components, including polysaccharides and adenosine derivatives, interact with immune and inflammatory pathways such as TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad, leading to reduced cytokine production and fibrosis, particularly in kidney tissue. N(6)-(2-Hydroxyethyl)adenosine (HEA) specifically protects renal tubular cells by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. The antioxidant effects involve scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating Nrf-2 and NF-κB signaling, which helps mitigate oxidative damage in cells. Chitin derivatives like chitosan are thought to improve renal function through their influence on lipid metabolism and their general anti-inflammatory properties. Water extracts of cicada slough appear to be more effective than ethanol extracts in animal models, suggesting specific compound solubility and bioavailability are important.
Side effects
Based on current available research, cicada slough and its derivatives appear to have a favorable safety profile. No significant adverse effects have been reported in preclinical animal studies or in the limited human clinical trial involving chitosan. The literature does not document common or serious side effects associated with its use. Furthermore, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications reported, though this area has not been extensively studied. It is important to note that specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, have not been extensively studied, and therefore, caution is advised in these groups due to the limited data. Overall, while promising, more comprehensive safety data from larger human trials are needed to fully establish its long-term safety and potential interactions.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized dosing established for cicada slough extracts due to the limited number of human clinical trials. In the controlled human study involving renal failure patients, chitosan, a derivative of cicada slough, was administered at a dosage of 45 mg per tablet, three times daily, totaling 135 mg per day, for a duration of 12 weeks. Preclinical animal studies have utilized various concentrations of cicada slough extracts, with water extracts consistently demonstrating superior efficacy compared to ethanol extracts. This suggests that the extraction method and resulting compound profile may influence effectiveness. Specific timing of administration and optimal formulation details for cicada slough itself remain to be clarified through further rigorous clinical research. Users should consult with a healthcare professional before initiating supplementation, especially given the lack of established human dosing guidelines.
FAQs
Is cicada slough safe?
Current evidence suggests a good safety profile, with no major adverse events reported in animal studies or limited human trials. However, more extensive human data are needed for definitive conclusions.
What conditions might it help?
It shows promise primarily for kidney-related disorders, such as diabetic nephropathy, and for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells.
How soon are benefits seen?
Animal studies indicate biochemical improvements within weeks. Human data, specifically with chitosan, suggest clinical effects may be observed after approximately 12 weeks of consistent use.
Is it effective alone or with other treatments?
Evidence is preliminary; it's often studied as part of traditional formulations or in conjunction with chitosan derivatives. Its efficacy as a standalone treatment requires further research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10574283/ – This preclinical study investigated the nephroprotective effects of cicada slough extracts in rat models of nephritis and diabetic nephropathy. It found that the extracts improved renal function, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and mitigated oxidative stress, with water extracts showing superior efficacy over ethanol extracts. The study provides mechanistic insights into how cicada slough may protect kidney tissue.
- http://www.itmonline.org/arts/chantui.htm – This source summarizes a controlled clinical trial where 80 renal failure patients on dialysis received chitosan supplementation. The study reported that chitosan significantly lowered serum cholesterol, urea, and creatinine levels, and improved hemoglobin and overall patient well-being over 12 weeks, without adverse effects. While promising, it notes the need for peer-reviewed confirmation of the primary study details.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5390570/ – This in vitro study explored the protective effects of *P. cicadae* extract on human keratinocyte cells exposed to UVB radiation. It demonstrated that the extract reduced UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators, and modulated key signaling pathways like NF-κB and Nrf-2. This research provides mechanistic evidence for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of cicada slough in skin cells.
