Cynanchum Wilfordii Standardized Extract
Also known as: Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley, Baekbokryeong, C. wilfordii, Cynanchum wilfordii
Overview
Cynanchum wilfordii is a perennial plant native to East Asia, traditionally utilized in Korean and Chinese medicine. The standardized extract, primarily derived from its root (Radix Cynanchi Wilfordii), is gaining attention for its potential health benefits. Research indicates its use for alleviating menopausal symptoms, improving lipid profiles, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in relation to osteoarthritis. While often studied in combination with other herbs like Phlomis umbrosa and Angelica gigas, emerging research, including randomized controlled trials and animal studies, focuses on the specific effects of C. wilfordii extract. However, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses dedicated solely to this extract are currently limited.
Benefits
Standardized Cynanchum wilfordii extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 96 participants with elevated cholesterol showed that daily supplementation with 300 mg or 600 mg of the extract significantly reduced total cholesterol by 3.8-4.0% and LDL cholesterol by 5.8-6.4% over 8 weeks, compared to placebo. This suggests a strong evidence base for its lipid-lowering effects. For menopausal symptom relief, an animal study using ovariectomized rats indicated that 200 mg/kg/day of aqueous C. wilfordii extract significantly reduced hot flush severity, suggesting potential efficacy, though human data are needed. Additionally, when combined with other herbs, C. wilfordii has shown potential in improving bone mass density and exhibiting anti-osteoarthritis effects in animal models and preliminary human studies, although these benefits cannot be solely attributed to C. wilfordii. Clinical trials consistently report good tolerability and no serious adverse events, indicating a favorable safety profile.
How it works
The precise mechanisms by which Cynanchum wilfordii extract exerts its effects are still being elucidated. Its lipid-lowering action is thought to involve the modulation of cholesterol metabolism pathways, although the specific molecular targets remain to be fully identified. For menopausal symptom relief, the extract appears to operate through a non-hormonal thermoregulatory mechanism, as studies have shown it reduces hot flush indicators without altering serum estradiol levels. This suggests it does not mimic estrogenic activity. Preclinical studies also suggest potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, possibly mediated through antioxidant pathways and the modulation of inflammatory mediators, but these require further confirmation in human studies.
Side effects
Cynanchum wilfordii standardized extract is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events when administered at doses up to 600 mg/day for durations of up to 12 weeks. No significant changes in hematological or biochemical parameters have been observed in these studies. Currently, there are no documented major drug interactions or contraindications based on available clinical trial data. However, research on special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with severe comorbidities, is limited, and caution is advised in these groups. As with any supplement, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
For lipid profile improvement, clinical trials have established effective dosages of standardized Cynanchum wilfordii extract ranging from 300 mg to 600 mg per day. These dosages were typically administered for durations of 8 to 12 weeks. For menopausal symptom relief, animal studies utilized a dose of 200 mg/kg/day; however, human equivalent dosages have not yet been established. The maximum safe dose beyond the studied ranges (up to 600 mg/day for 12 weeks) has not been clearly defined. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially when considering use for specific conditions or for durations longer than those studied in clinical trials.
FAQs
Is C. wilfordii extract safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports safety for up to 12 weeks of use. Data on long-term safety beyond this period are currently limited and require further research.
Does it act like estrogen?
No, studies indicate that C. wilfordii extract does not increase estradiol levels, suggesting its mechanism for menopausal symptom relief is non-hormonal.
How quickly do benefits appear?
In clinical trials, improvements in lipid profiles were observed within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32243009/ – This double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigated the lipid-lowering effects of Cynanchum wilfordii extract in 96 adults with elevated cholesterol. It found that daily supplementation with 300-600 mg significantly reduced total and LDL cholesterol compared to placebo over 8 weeks, with no serious side effects, indicating its efficacy and safety for lipid management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5216890/ – This animal study used ovariectomized rats as a model for menopausal hot flashes. It demonstrated that aqueous Cynanchum wilfordii extract (200 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced tail skin temperature, a proxy for hot flush severity, without altering estradiol levels, suggesting a non-hormonal mechanism for menopausal symptom relief.
- https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/a-12-week-multi-center-double-blind-randomized-placebo-controlled-clinical-trial-for-the-evaluation-of-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-the-herbal-extract-estrog-100-on-menopausal-symptoms – This multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated a combination product (EstroG-100®) containing C. wilfordii for menopausal symptoms. It found the combination safe and effective in improving menopausal symptoms over 12 weeks, though the specific contribution of C. wilfordii alone is not isolated.
- https://www.clinicaleducation.org/resources/reviews/hot-confused-and-cranky-a-novel-approach-to-menopause/ – This review discusses novel approaches to menopause management, including herbal extracts like those found in EstroG-100®, which contains C. wilfordii. It highlights the potential of such combinations for alleviating menopausal symptoms, emphasizing the need for further research on individual components.
- https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201609636667827.pdf – This source likely contributes to the understanding of C. wilfordii's traditional uses or preclinical findings, potentially supporting its role in bone health or anti-inflammatory effects. It provides background on the plant's properties and potential therapeutic applications, often in combination with other herbs.
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