Clematis Extract
Also known as: Clematis Extract, Wei Ling Xian, Clematis terniflora var. mandshurica, Clematis terniflora
Overview
Clematis Extract is a botanical extract primarily derived from the leaves of *Clematis terniflora*, a plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Historically, it has been applied for pain relief, fever reduction, and the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as tonsillitis and conjunctivitis. Modern research is exploring its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, particularly in the context of respiratory inflammatory diseases like acute lung injury (ALI). The extract contains various bioactive compounds believed to modulate inflammatory pathways within the body. While preclinical studies show promise, the research maturity for Clematis Extract as a standalone supplement is moderate, with a scarcity of high-quality human clinical trials. Its primary applications are based on traditional use and emerging mechanistic studies, but robust clinical evidence is still needed.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Clematis Extract, as demonstrated in preclinical models, is its significant anti-inflammatory activity. It has been shown to inhibit key inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins IL-6 and IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophage models. This suggests a broad anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, in animal models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury, Clematis Extract has shown potential to reduce histological lung damage, immune cell infiltration, and pulmonary edema, indicating a possible therapeutic role in severe inflammatory lung conditions. However, it is crucial to note that these benefits are primarily supported by in vitro and animal studies. There is no direct human clinical trial data with adequate sample size and controls specifically for Clematis Extract alone. Benefits observed in conditions like osteoarthritis or gout are not directly attributable to Clematis Extract but rather to other nutraceuticals or complex Chinese herbal decoctions studied in broader meta-analyses, which may or may not contain Clematis.
How it works
Clematis Extract exerts its anti-inflammatory effects primarily by suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These pathways are crucial regulators of gene expression for various inflammatory mediators. By inhibiting these pathways, the extract reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as NO, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which are central to the inflammatory response. The bioactive compounds within the extract are thought to be absorbed and interact with immune cells, particularly macrophages, to modulate their inflammatory responses. Detailed information regarding the specific compounds responsible for these effects, as well as their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability in humans, is currently limited.
Side effects
Comprehensive safety data from high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for Clematis Extract are currently unavailable. While traditional use suggests a favorable safety profile, formal toxicology studies are limited, and there are no reported common or rare adverse effects specifically attributed to Clematis Extract in the reviewed scientific literature. Due to the lack of sufficient clinical data, potential drug interactions and contraindications remain uncharacterized. This means that individuals taking other medications, or those with pre-existing health conditions, should exercise caution. Without robust clinical safety data, it is difficult to ascertain the full spectrum of potential side effects, their severity, or their frequency in human populations. Therefore, Clematis Extract should be approached with caution, and its use should ideally be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially given the absence of established safety parameters.
Dosage
There are no standardized or clinically validated dosing guidelines for Clematis Extract due to the absence of human clinical trials. Traditional preparations vary widely in concentration and form, making it difficult to extrapolate a consistent dosage. Experimental studies have primarily used ethanol extracts in preclinical models, and these dosages cannot be directly translated to human use. The optimal dose, timing of administration, and most effective formulation (e.g., capsule, tincture, tea) for human consumption remain unknown and require further clinical investigation. Without established safety thresholds or upper limits, it is not possible to recommend a specific dosage for any purpose. Consumers should be aware that any suggested dosages are speculative and not based on rigorous scientific evidence.
FAQs
Is Clematis Extract effective for pain or inflammation in humans?
Current evidence is limited to preclinical models (in vitro and animal studies) showing anti-inflammatory effects. There are no robust human clinical trials to confirm its efficacy for pain or inflammation in people.
Is Clematis Extract safe to use?
Traditional use suggests some safety, but comprehensive clinical safety data are insufficient. Formal toxicology studies and human trials are needed to fully assess its safety profile and potential side effects.
How long before effects are seen with Clematis Extract?
The onset of effects in humans is unknown. Animal models show effects in acute inflammatory settings, but this cannot be directly extrapolated to human response times.
Can Clematis Extract replace conventional anti-inflammatory drugs?
No, there is no evidence to support Clematis Extract replacing conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. It should be considered investigational or potentially adjunctive, but not a substitute for prescribed medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10791263/ – This preclinical study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of *Clematis terniflora* leaf ethanol extract. It found that the extract significantly inhibited inflammatory mediators (NO, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK pathways in macrophages. In an LPS-induced acute lung injury animal model, the extract reduced lung inflammation and edema, supporting its traditional anti-inflammatory use, though human data is lacking.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-78075-x – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on nutraceuticals for osteoarthritis. While it provides context for the potential of herbal anti-inflammatory agents, it did not specifically evaluate Clematis Extract alone, highlighting the need for rigorous, isolated studies on individual botanical supplements.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0085008 – This meta-analysis reviewed Chinese herbal decoctions for gout. It provides insight into the efficacy of complex herbal formulations in traditional Chinese medicine but does not isolate the effects or validate the efficacy of Clematis Extract as a standalone ingredient in humans.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36475286/ – This network meta-analysis evaluated various treatments for osteoarthritis. It underscores the importance of well-designed randomized controlled trials for botanical supplements to establish their efficacy and safety, a need that Clematis Extract research currently faces.
