Viburnum opulus 6C HPUS
Also known as: Guelder rose, European cranberrybush, cramp bark, gilaburu, Viburnum opulus
Overview
Viburnum opulus, commonly known as Guelder rose or cramp bark, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its berries, bark, and leaves have been traditionally used in various folk medicines for ailments ranging from coughs and colds to rheumatic pain and uterine bleeding. Modern scientific interest in V. opulus focuses on its rich content of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, carotenoids, and iridoids, which contribute to its high antioxidant capacity. Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential gastroprotective effects. However, human clinical trials are extremely limited and generally of low quality, meaning that robust evidence for its efficacy and safety in humans is largely lacking. It is sometimes classified as a botanical antioxidant or anti-inflammatory agent.
Benefits
Viburnum opulus extracts have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in vitro, including free radical scavenging and reduction of intracellular oxidative stress. Animal studies suggest gastroprotective and hepatoprotective effects, with observed reductions in lipid peroxidation and increases in antioxidant markers. For instance, proanthocyanidins from V. opulus protected gastric mucosa in rats. While preclinical data hint at potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and vasorelaxant effects, these are not supported by robust human data. A small, retrospective human study (n=60) suggested that V. opulus juice, when combined with diclofenac, might increase the expulsion rate of distal ureteral stones (<10 mm) compared to diclofenac alone, but this study had significant methodological limitations and lacked a placebo control. Overall, the strength of evidence for human benefits is very low, with no high-quality randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews available.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Viburnum opulus is attributed to its antioxidant properties, involving free radical scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation, largely due to its rich phenolic content. Preclinical studies suggest it may modulate glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, and potentially exert immunostimulatory effects through macrophage activation. It may interact with various body systems, including pancreatic β-cells, gastric mucosa, liver, and the urinary tract, based on in vitro and animal data. At a molecular level, V. opulus extracts have been shown to bind human serum albumin, which could influence its pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. In vitro studies also indicate it can inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), an enzyme involved in glucose metabolism.
Side effects
Human safety data for Viburnum opulus are very limited. No common, uncommon, or rare side effects have been consistently reported in human studies. Preclinical research, however, raises some concerns: high concentrations of V. opulus extracts have been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in pancreatic β-cells in vitro, suggesting potential toxicity at elevated doses. This finding warrants caution, especially for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. There are no documented drug interactions, though the in vitro binding to human serum albumin suggests a theoretical potential for pharmacokinetic interactions with other albumin-bound drugs. Contraindications are not formally established, but caution is advised in diabetic individuals. There is no safety data available for pregnant or lactating women, or for pediatric populations, so its use in these groups is not recommended.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for Viburnum opulus in humans due to the lack of high-quality clinical trials. Traditional preparations vary widely, utilizing berries (often as juice), bark, and leaves, without standardization of active constituents. Therefore, specific timing considerations or form-specific recommendations cannot be provided based on scientific evidence. Absorption and bioavailability in humans are largely unknown, though in vitro studies suggest that binding to human serum albumin could influence its pharmacokinetics. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its action. Given the preclinical findings of potential toxicity to pancreatic β-cells at high concentrations, caution is advised against exceeding traditionally used amounts, though these are not precisely defined.
FAQs
Is Viburnum opulus safe to use?
Human safety data are very limited. While traditionally used, preclinical studies suggest potential toxicity to pancreatic β-cells at high doses, raising concerns, especially for individuals with diabetes. Caution is advised.
What are the proven benefits of Viburnum opulus?
In vitro and animal studies show antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, robust human clinical evidence for any specific health benefit is lacking, and claims of broad-spectrum benefits are not well-supported.
What is the recommended dosage for Viburnum opulus?
There is no scientifically established minimum effective, optimal, or maximum safe dosage for humans due to insufficient clinical research. Traditional uses vary widely, but specific guidelines are not available.
Can Viburnum opulus interact with medications?
No specific drug interactions are documented. However, in vitro studies suggest it can bind to human serum albumin, which theoretically could affect the pharmacokinetics of other albumin-bound drugs. Consult a healthcare professional.
Is Viburnum opulus effective for kidney stones?
A small, retrospective human study suggested it might aid in the expulsion of small kidney stones when combined with diclofenac. However, this study had significant limitations, and more robust research is needed to confirm this effect.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7278587/ – This in vitro study investigated Viburnum opulus fruit juice and its phenolic-rich fraction on mouse insulinoma cells. It found that while non-cytotoxic doses reduced oxidative stress, higher concentrations inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and induced apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells. The study also noted binding to human serum albumin, suggesting potential pharmacokinetic implications.
- https://www.scu.edu.au/analytical-research-laboratory---arl/medicinal-plant-garden/medicinal-plant-monographs/viburnum-opulus/ – This source provides a general overview of Viburnum opulus, detailing its traditional uses and chemical composition. It highlights the presence of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and other bioactive substances, and mentions its traditional application for various ailments, including rheumatic pain and uterine bleeding.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7595025/ – This animal study demonstrated that proanthocyanidins extracted from Viburnum opulus protected rat gastric mucosa from ulcerogenic substances. The findings indicated a reduction in lipid peroxidation and an increase in antioxidant activity, suggesting gastroprotective effects in a preclinical model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7694363/ – This retrospective human study (n=60) evaluated the effect of Viburnum opulus juice combined with diclofenac on distal ureteral stones (<10 mm). It reported higher stone expulsion rates and shorter passage duration compared to diclofenac alone. However, the study's limitations include its retrospective design, lack of randomization, absence of a placebo control, and incomplete metabolic evaluation, making the findings hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive.
