Dianthus Superbus Extract
Also known as: Dianthus superbus L., Fringed pink, Superb pink, Dianthus, Dianthus superbus
Overview
Dianthus superbus is a perennial herb native to Asia, traditionally valued for its medicinal properties. Research indicates it contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including flavonol glycosides, cyclic peptides, and phenolic acids. Scientific investigations, primarily preclinical (in vitro and some in vivo), have explored its potential antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities. While traditional uses include anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic applications, these claims currently lack robust clinical validation. The current body of evidence is emerging, focusing on the pharmacological potential of its extracts, with a notable absence of extensive human clinical trials or systematic reviews. This highlights a significant research gap concerning its efficacy and safety as a human supplement.
Benefits
Research on Dianthus superbus extract has identified several potential benefits, primarily from in vitro studies. Ethyl acetate extracts have demonstrated significant **anticancer activity** against various cancer cell lines (SKOV, NCL-H1299, Caski), exhibiting cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 9.5 to 69.9 μg/mL. This suggests a potential role in cancer therapy, though these findings are limited to cell cultures and require clinical validation. Butanol extracts have shown strong **antiviral activity** against influenza A and B viruses, with IC50 values of 4.97 and 3.9 μg/mL, respectively. This effect is partly attributed to flavonol glycosides, such as quercetin 3-rutinoside, which inhibit neuraminidase, a crucial viral enzyme. Additionally, various extracts have exhibited **antioxidant effects**, likely due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds that can scavenge free radicals. While traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and analgesic purposes, these historical claims currently lack robust clinical evidence.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Dianthus superbus extract are linked to its rich phytochemical composition. Its **anticancer effects** are thought to stem from cyclic peptides and flavonoids, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. The **antiviral activity** is primarily mediated by flavonol glycosides, which bind to viral neuraminidase and polymerase proteins, thereby inhibiting viral replication. This mechanism has been supported by molecular docking studies. The **antioxidant activity** is attributed to phenolic compounds that scavenge free radicals and modulate oxidative stress pathways within the body. While these mechanisms are supported by in vitro and computational studies, detailed bioavailability data in humans are currently limited.
Side effects
Comprehensive human toxicity studies and clinical safety data for Dianthus superbus extract are currently unavailable. Preclinical studies have suggested low toxicity when administered orally, but these findings are not exhaustive, and detailed toxicological profiles are lacking. Consequently, there are no commonly reported or rare side effects documented in clinical settings due to the insufficient human data. Furthermore, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been documented. Given the significant lack of human safety trials, caution is strongly advised regarding its use. Individuals should be aware that the safety profile in humans remains largely unestablished, and potential adverse effects or interactions cannot be ruled out without further research.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for Dianthus superbus extract derived from human clinical trials. The concentrations found to be effective in in vitro studies typically range in low microgram per milliliter levels, but translating these findings directly to human dosing is not possible without further research. Traditional uses of the herb do not provide standardized dosage recommendations that are applicable to modern supplement forms. Due to the absence of pharmacokinetic data and clinical efficacy studies in humans, specific recommendations for dosage, timing, or form (e.g., capsule, liquid) cannot be provided. Further comprehensive pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are essential to determine safe and effective dosing regimens for human supplementation.
FAQs
Is Dianthus superbus extract safe?
Safety in humans is not yet established. Preclinical data suggest low toxicity, but clinical confirmation is needed, and no comprehensive human safety studies have been conducted.
What benefits can be expected from Dianthus superbus extract?
Potential anticancer and antiviral effects have been observed in laboratory settings (in vitro), but there is no clinical evidence to prove efficacy or benefits in humans.
How should Dianthus superbus extract be taken?
There is no standardized form or dose for Dianthus superbus extract. It has been traditionally used as a herbal extract, but specific modern supplement usage guidelines are absent.
Are there known side effects of Dianthus superbus extract?
No side effects have been documented in clinical literature due to the lack of human studies. The absence of reported side effects does not equate to proven safety.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30654095/ – This in vitro study investigated the anticancer and antiviral activities of Dianthus superbus extracts. It found that ethyl acetate extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines, while butanol extracts showed strong inhibition against influenza A and B viruses, attributing these effects to specific flavonol glycosides. The study provides robust in vitro evidence but lacks human or animal clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8780776/ – This comprehensive literature review details the phytochemical profile and traditional uses of Dianthus superbus. It summarizes the pharmacological properties observed in preclinical studies, emphasizing the significant lack of clinical trials. The review highlights the need for further research to validate traditional claims and establish clinical efficacy and safety.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.644027/full – This source, while not directly cited in the provided text for specific findings, is a relevant peer-reviewed journal for pharmacology research. It likely contains studies on natural products and their mechanisms, aligning with the research on Dianthus superbus. A summary would typically focus on its contribution to understanding botanical pharmacology.
- https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/15/6/plad084/7453198 – This source, from a botanical journal, would typically cover plant biology, phytochemistry, and potentially ethnobotanical uses. While not explicitly cited for a specific finding in the provided text, it would contribute to the broader understanding of Dianthus superbus's botanical characteristics and traditional significance, supporting the context of its medicinal properties.