Collinsonia Whole Plant Extract
Also known as: Stone root, Collinsonia root, richweed, Collinsonia Whole Plant Extract, Collinsonia canadensis
Overview
Collinsonia canadensis, commonly known as Stone root or richweed, is a perennial herb native to North America, traditionally valued in herbal medicine for its purported benefits in digestive and venous health. The whole plant extract, particularly from the root, contains a complex array of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, polyphenolics (such as rosmarinic acid), volatile oils (like thymol and carvacrol), saponins (akeboside, collinsonidin), tannins, and mucilage. Historically, it has been employed as a bowel tonic, venous tonic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent agent. While traditional uses are well-documented, modern scientific research, especially high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews, is limited. Most current evidence stems from older case reports, in vitro studies, and preliminary pharmacological investigations, indicating a low quality of evidence for many of its claimed benefits.
Benefits
Collinsonia canadensis is traditionally associated with several benefits, though robust clinical evidence is largely absent. For digestive health, it has been used to alleviate indigestion, dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, diarrhea, colic, and gastrointestinal spasms. Its mild antispasmodic and astringent properties are thought to promote peristalsis and improve gastric juice flow. Regarding venous health, historical reports suggest its use as a venous tonic to enhance blood flow and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, including inflammation and anal spasms. Furthermore, some isolated compounds within Collinsonia, such as rosmarinic acid, thymol, and carvacrol, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity in in vitro studies, hinting at potential neuroprotective effects relevant to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease; however, these findings are preliminary and lack clinical validation. Anecdotal evidence also points to diuretic effects and mild relaxation of ureters/urethra, potentially assisting in kidney stone passage, but this remains unconfirmed by modern research. No clinical effect sizes or statistically significant outcomes from RCTs are available to quantify these benefits.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Collinsonia canadensis are attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. The astringent properties are likely due to the presence of tannins and mucilage, which may form a protective layer and tone mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal and venous systems. Volatile oils, specifically thymol and carvacrol, have shown anti-acetylcholinesterase activity in laboratory settings, suggesting a potential influence on neurological pathways, though this is not clinically established for the whole extract. Phenolic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, have exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in macrophage cell models. Additionally, the extract is believed to modulate smooth muscle spasms through its antispasmodic constituents, which could contribute to improved peristalsis and reduced cramping in the digestive tract. The absorption and bioavailability of the whole plant extract and its various components in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Collinsonia canadensis is generally considered safe when consumed in traditional doses. However, ingesting very large quantities may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Due to a significant lack of safety data from clinical studies, its use is strongly advised against during pregnancy and lactation. There are no well-documented drug interactions or contraindications reported in the existing literature, but this absence of evidence does not equate to evidence of absence, especially given the limited research. While no significant adverse effects have been widely reported, the overall clinical safety profile of Collinsonia canadensis whole plant extract remains largely unstudied. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, as comprehensive safety data from rigorous clinical trials are currently unavailable.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for Collinsonia canadensis derived from modern clinical trials. Traditional preparations typically involve warm infusions or liquid extracts made from the root powder. Dosage recommendations are primarily based on historical herbalist texts and traditional practices rather than evidence-based clinical research. Consequently, specific dosage ranges for different purposes, timing considerations, or optimal forms for absorption are not well-defined. Information regarding upper limits, safety thresholds, or factors influencing absorption and efficacy (cofactors) is also largely unknown. Individuals considering using Collinsonia canadensis should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner experienced in herbal medicine, as standardized clinical dosing protocols are currently unavailable.
FAQs
Is Collinsonia effective for hemorrhoids?
Historical reports suggest benefit for hemorrhoids, but there are no modern randomized controlled trials to confirm its efficacy.
Can Collinsonia be used for digestive spasms?
Traditional use supports its application for digestive spasms, though robust clinical evidence to validate this claim is currently lacking.
Is Collinsonia safe during pregnancy or lactation?
Due to a lack of safety data and unknown effects, Collinsonia canadensis should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Collinsonia?
The onset of benefits is unknown, as there are no clinical trials to establish efficacy timelines for Collinsonia canadensis.
Research Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collinsonia-root – This source provides a general overview of Collinsonia root, its traditional uses, and purported benefits, noting the lack of robust scientific evidence for many claims.
- https://wholisticmatters.com/collinsonia-root-digestive-health/ – This article discusses the traditional use of Collinsonia root for digestive health, highlighting its historical application as a bowel tonic and for various gastrointestinal issues, while acknowledging the need for more modern research.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.586548/full – This systematic review on plant antibacterials did not include Collinsonia among the most studied or effective species, indicating its limited presence in contemporary research on antimicrobial properties.
- https://wholisticmatters.com/herb-detail/collinsonia-canadensis/ – This detailed herb profile for Collinsonia canadensis outlines its traditional uses, botanical characteristics, and known phytochemicals, emphasizing its historical role in herbal medicine despite limited modern clinical validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3956726/ – This article discusses the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of certain plant compounds, which may be relevant to Collinsonia's volatile oils, suggesting a potential mechanism for neurological effects, though not directly studying Collinsonia.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10170464/ – This source likely discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of plant-derived compounds, which could relate to rosmarinic acid found in Collinsonia, providing context for its potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- https://unitedplantsavers.org/stone-root-collinsonia-canadensis/ – This resource from United Plant Savers provides information on Stone root (Collinsonia canadensis), focusing on its conservation status and ethnobotanical importance, reinforcing its traditional use.