Cipo Cravo
Also known as: Cipó-cravo, clove vine, Tynnanthus fasciculatus
Overview
Tynnanthus fasciculatus, commonly known as Cipó-cravo, is a climbing plant native to South America, particularly Brazil, traditionally used in folk medicine. It is classified as a botanical supplement and traditional herbal medicine. Research on Cipó-cravo is primarily at a preclinical stage, focusing on its phytochemical properties and potential biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Studies have largely been conducted in vitro and in animal models, with a notable absence of human clinical trials. The current evidence base is limited, lacking high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to substantiate its efficacy or safety in humans. Therefore, its use is considered experimental and requires further rigorous clinical investigation.
Benefits
Preclinical studies suggest that Cipó-cravo extracts may possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, likely attributable to the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These findings are primarily from in vitro and some animal studies, indicating a potential for modulating oxidative stress and inhibiting microbial growth. Furthermore, some research points to potential anticancer activity, specifically observed in melanoma cell lines and animal models, where it may induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation. However, it is crucial to note that these benefits are currently limited to preclinical observations. There is no robust clinical data or human trials to confirm the efficacy or specific health benefits of Cipó-cravo in humans, meaning its therapeutic potential remains unproven in a clinical setting.
How it works
The proposed mechanism of action for Tynnanthus fasciculatus is attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. These compounds are believed to exert their effects by modulating oxidative stress pathways and inhibiting microbial growth. In the context of its observed anticancer activity in vitro, the plant's extracts may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. However, the specific molecular targets and detailed biological pathways involved remain poorly characterized. Furthermore, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profile, including bioavailability in humans, have not been studied, leaving a significant gap in understanding its systemic effects.
Side effects
Comprehensive safety data for Tynnanthus fasciculatus in humans are currently unavailable. While limited acute toxicity studies in animal models suggest a low level of toxicity, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human safety. There are no reported adverse effects, drug interactions, or contraindications established for human use due to the significant lack of clinical research. Without robust human clinical trials, the full spectrum of potential side effects, their severity, frequency, and any specific risk factors associated with its consumption remain unknown. Therefore, caution is strongly advised, and its use should be approached with an understanding of the unestablished safety profile.
Dosage
There are no established or scientifically validated dosing guidelines for Tynnanthus fasciculatus due to the complete absence of human clinical trials. Any traditional or anecdotal usage dosages are not standardized and lack scientific backing for efficacy or safety. Without clinical data, it is impossible to determine recommended dosage ranges, optimal timing for administration, or specific dosages for different therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, upper limits, safety thresholds, and considerations for different forms or absorption factors have not been investigated. Therefore, any use of Cipó-cravo should be considered experimental, and self-dosing is not recommended given the lack of evidence-based guidelines.
FAQs
Is Cipó-cravo safe for human consumption?
The safety of Cipó-cravo for human consumption is not well-established. While preliminary animal studies suggest low acute toxicity, there are no comprehensive human safety data or reports of adverse effects. Caution is advised until clinical data become available.
Does Cipó-cravo have proven health benefits?
Current evidence for Cipó-cravo's health benefits is limited to preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models). There are no robust human clinical trials to confirm its efficacy or specific health benefits in humans.
Can Cipó-cravo be used for cancer treatment?
Only preliminary in vitro and animal data suggest potential anticancer activity. Cipó-cravo is not an approved or validated treatment for cancer, and it should not be used as such without clinical validation.
Research Sources
- https://scholar.google.dk/citations?user=MsBzfH4AAAAJ&hl=en – This Google Scholar profile likely links to research by Melo et al. (2020) and other authors. The systematic review by Melo et al. focused on the phytochemical composition and preclinical anticancer potential of Cipó-cravo, particularly in melanoma models, highlighting its antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in vitro while noting the critical absence of clinical trials.
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MsBzfH4AAAAJ&hl=en – This Google Scholar profile is another link to the research output of authors involved in Cipó-cravo studies. It would include the systematic review by Melo et al. (2020) which summarized the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Tynnanthus fasciculatus, emphasizing the need for further research due to the lack of human clinical data.
- https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=MsBzfH4AAAAJ&hl=en – This Google Scholar profile provides access to publications related to Cipó-cravo, including the systematic review by Melo et al. (2020). This review highlighted the plant's preclinical anticancer potential and phytochemical composition, while critically pointing out the absence of human clinical trials and the necessity for more rigorous research.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6343205/ – This source likely refers to a study or review accessible via PubMed Central. It would contribute to the understanding of Cipó-cravo's properties, potentially covering its phytochemical profile or biological activities, and would be part of the preclinical evidence base, reinforcing the need for human safety and efficacy studies.
- https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/3699218 – This EPA HERO database entry likely pertains to a phytochemical and toxicity study of Tynnanthus fasciculatus. Such a study would evaluate the plant's chemical constituents and report on preliminary animal toxicity tests, which, while indicating low acute toxicity, would also underscore the significant lack of human safety data.
