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Cynanchum Wilfordii

Also known as: Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley, Baekbokryeong, Dog-strangling vine, Cynanchum wilfordii

Overview

Cynanchum wilfordii is a perennial herb indigenous to East Asia, where it has been traditionally utilized in Korean and Chinese medicine. The primary part of the plant used for supplemental purposes is its root extract. This herb is gaining attention for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, particularly in managing blood cholesterol levels, and for its anti-inflammatory properties. While preclinical studies and some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored its effects, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on Cynanchum wilfordii are currently limited. It is often categorized as a herbal supplement or traditional medicinal plant extract, with emerging research supporting its role in lipid metabolism and vascular health.

Benefits

Cynanchum wilfordii offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in lipid regulation and anti-inflammatory effects: - **Blood Cholesterol Regulation:** A high-quality, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 84 adults with elevated LDL cholesterol demonstrated that Cynanchum wilfordii ethanolic extract significantly reduced very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides at a dose of 300 mg/day after 8 weeks. In participants with LDL-C ≥ 150 mg/dL, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein levels were also significantly decreased with both 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day doses. This indicates a strong, evidence-backed lipid-lowering benefit in hyperlipidemic individuals. - **Anti-inflammatory and Vascular Effects:** Preclinical studies suggest that extracts of Cynanchum wilfordii can suppress inflammatory mediators like VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in human aortic smooth muscle cells by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. This mechanism may contribute to improved vascular health and potential anti-atherosclerotic effects, although these findings require clinical validation. - **Potential Osteoarthritis Symptom Relief:** While not directly studied as a standalone treatment in high-quality RCTs, some research on Cynanchum wilfordii in combination with other herbal extracts for osteoarthritis has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, robust evidence for Cynanchum wilfordii alone in this context is currently insufficient. - **Menopausal Symptom Management:** Cynanchum wilfordii is included in some herbal formulations for menopausal health. However, there is insufficient robust clinical evidence from RCTs or meta-analyses to specifically validate its efficacy and safety for managing menopausal symptoms when used alone.

How it works

Cynanchum wilfordii exerts its effects through several proposed mechanisms. Its lipid-lowering properties are believed to be mediated by modulating key proteins involved in lipid metabolism and transport, specifically apolipoprotein B and cholesteryl ester transfer protein. The anti-inflammatory actions of Cynanchum wilfordii appear to stem from its ability to suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway. This suppression leads to a reduction in the expression of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, as well as inflammatory cytokines, which are crucial in the development of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Bioactive compounds like acetophenones and cynandione A have been identified as the primary active constituents responsible for these observed effects.

Side effects

Based on available clinical data, Cynanchum wilfordii appears to have a favorable short-term safety profile. A clinical trial involving 84 subjects reported no significant adverse events when administered at doses up to 600 mg/day for 8 weeks. No serious side effects or drug interactions have been reported in the limited clinical research conducted to date. However, it is important to note that long-term safety data are not yet available, and studies in specific populations such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe pre-existing medical conditions are lacking. Consequently, no specific contraindications have been formally established due to the limited scope of current research. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, as the full spectrum of potential interactions and adverse effects over extended periods or in vulnerable populations is not yet understood.

Dosage

For lipid-lowering effects, a recommended dosage of Cynanchum wilfordii ethanolic extract is 300 mg/day. This dose has demonstrated significant reductions in VLDL and triglycerides in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol. The studied dose range for efficacy and safety in clinical trials has been between 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day. Benefits were observed after 8 weeks of consistent supplementation. There is no specific information available regarding optimal timing for administration (e.g., with or without food) or how different forms of the supplement might affect absorption. The research does not detail specific upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the 600 mg/day dose studied for 8 weeks, nor does it systematically address the use of cofactors or combinations with other agents.

FAQs

Is Cynanchum wilfordii effective for cholesterol?

Yes, clinical evidence supports its use for reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperlipidemic adults, with benefits observed at 300 mg/day over 8 weeks.

Is Cynanchum wilfordii safe?

Short-term use (up to 8 weeks) appears safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials at doses up to 600 mg/day. Long-term safety data are limited.

Can Cynanchum wilfordii be used for menopausal symptoms?

Evidence for its efficacy in managing menopausal symptoms is limited and inconclusive; more robust clinical research is needed to confirm this benefit.

How quickly do benefits from Cynanchum wilfordii appear?

Significant improvements in lipid profiles, such as reduced VLDL and triglycerides, were noted after 8 weeks of consistent supplementation in clinical studies.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31013851/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the lipid-lowering effects of Cynanchum wilfordii extract in 84 adults with elevated LDL cholesterol. It found that 300 mg/day significantly reduced VLDL and triglycerides, while both 300 mg/day and 600 mg/day doses decreased total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein in those with higher LDL-C, demonstrating its efficacy in lipid management with no reported adverse events.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d47c/85be11390d72a198e46cb488cb8ce8a32877.pdf – This source, likely a review or preclinical study, discusses the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Cynanchum wilfordii, particularly its ability to suppress inflammatory mediators like VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 via NF-κB pathway inhibition in human aortic smooth muscle cells. It highlights the potential vascular protective effects of the herb and identifies key bioactive compounds such as acetophenones and cynandione A.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/9/10/1376 – This source, likely a review or research article, touches upon the use of Cynanchum wilfordii in the context of osteoarthritis and menopausal health. It suggests that while the herb may contribute to symptom relief in these areas, the evidence is primarily from combined herbal formulations or preclinical studies, indicating a lack of high-quality, standalone clinical trials for these specific applications.