Cornus Officinalis
Also known as: Japanese cornel dogwood, Asiatic dogwood, Shan Zhu Yu, Cornus officinalis
Overview
Cornus officinalis, also known as Japanese cornel dogwood or Shan Zhu Yu, is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia, widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a kidney-tonifying herb. Its therapeutic properties primarily stem from its fruit extract, which is rich in bioactive compounds such as morroniside, sweroside, and flavonoids like kaempferol. This botanical supplement is traditionally applied for its potential benefits in osteoporosis prevention, reproductive health support, and immunomodulation. While research interest in C. officinalis has grown significantly, particularly in pharmacological and mechanistic studies, high-quality clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Most existing data are derived from preclinical and animal studies, with a scarcity of rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to definitively confirm its efficacy and safety in human populations. Despite this, its long history of traditional use suggests a favorable safety profile.
Benefits
Cornus officinalis shows promising evidence for several health benefits, primarily from preclinical and animal studies. It has demonstrated efficacy in preventing bone loss and improving bone mineral density in experimental models of osteoporosis by regulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and balancing osteogenic and osteoclastic activity. For reproductive health, studies in diabetic rat models indicate improved sperm quality, testosterone levels, and testicular morphology, suggesting potential benefits for conditions like erectile dysfunction and testicular damage. Furthermore, a combination formulation including C. officinalis has shown superior efficacy compared to finasteride in preclinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. The herb also exhibits antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, with extracts reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (e.g., IL-8, TNF-α) in human neutrophils, indicating anti-inflammatory potential. While these findings are encouraging, quantitative effect sizes and confidence intervals are not well established in human clinical trials, and the clinical significance in humans requires confirmation through well-powered RCTs. Animal studies typically use treatment durations of 8–12 weeks, but human data on the time course of benefits are currently lacking.
How it works
Cornus officinalis exerts its effects through various mechanisms attributed to its bioactive compounds. In bone health, its bioactives modulate bone homeostasis by influencing the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells), potentially through signaling pathways involving bone marrow stem cells and immune regulation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are linked to flavonoids that reduce oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. For reproductive benefits, the herb may mediate its effects through hormonal regulation, potentially improving levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The absorption and bioavailability of key constituents like morroniside are under investigation, but they are generally considered moderate, with metabolism primarily occurring in the liver.
Side effects
Cornus officinalis is generally regarded as safe with low toxicity and good tolerability based on its extensive traditional use and findings from animal studies. However, common side effects are not well documented in clinical trials due to a lack of rigorous human studies. No significant adverse events have been reported in animal studies at typical doses. Drug interactions and contraindications are also not well characterized, necessitating caution. Due to potential additive effects, it is advised to exercise caution when combining C. officinalis with hormone therapies or anticoagulants. Safety data for special populations, such such as pregnant women or individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment, are currently insufficient. Therefore, individuals in these groups should consult a healthcare professional before use. Overall, while the safety profile appears favorable, more comprehensive clinical data are needed to fully understand potential risks and interactions in humans.
Dosage
There is currently no standardized dosing for Cornus officinalis established from clinical trials, and traditional use doses vary widely. Animal studies typically utilize extract doses ranging from 15–30 mg/kg; however, human equivalent doses require rigorous clinical validation. The optimal dosage, timing of administration, and preferred formulation (e.g., extract versus whole fruit) remain to be definitively defined through human research. While there is limited evidence to suggest that absorption may be enhanced by co-administration with other herbs or bioavailability enhancers, this requires further investigation. Due to the lack of comprehensive human clinical data, individuals considering C. officinalis should consult a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate and safe dosage, especially given the absence of established upper limits or safety thresholds.
FAQs
Is Cornus officinalis effective for osteoporosis in humans?
Evidence for osteoporosis is promising in preclinical models, showing improved bone density. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to confirm these benefits.
Is it safe to use Cornus officinalis long-term?
Traditional use suggests long-term safety, and animal studies show low toxicity. However, rigorous long-term safety data from human clinical trials are currently missing.
Can Cornus officinalis be combined with other supplements or medications?
Potential interactions with other supplements or medications are not well characterized due to limited clinical data. Professional consultation is recommended, especially with hormone therapies or anticoagulants.
When can benefits be expected from Cornus officinalis?
Animal studies suggest that benefits may become apparent after weeks to months of consistent use. However, human data on the time course of effects are currently unavailable.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10725965/ – This systematic review focuses on the mechanisms of Cornus officinalis in osteoporosis models, identifying key bioactive compounds and highlighting its advantages in kidney-tonifying TCM. It provides comprehensive preclinical data but notes the absence of human RCTs.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1309963/full – This comprehensive review summarizes the pharmacological effects of Cornus officinalis, including reproductive benefits. It highlights animal studies showing improved sperm and hormone profiles but acknowledges the lack of human RCT data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10809406/ – This source, likely part of the comprehensive review by Deng et al., further elaborates on the pharmacological effects of Cornus officinalis, reinforcing findings on reproductive health and other benefits primarily from animal and in vitro studies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/10/11/2347 – This experimental in vitro study investigated the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Cornus officinalis extracts on human neutrophils and Caco-2 cells. It demonstrated the herb's ability to reduce oxidative stress and modulate cytokine secretion, providing mechanistic insights at a cellular level.
