Dipsacus Asper Extract
Also known as: Himalayan teasel, Xu Duan, Dipsacus asper C.Y. Cheng et T.M. Ai, Dipsacus asper
Overview
Dipsacus asper extract is derived from the root of the Dipsacus asper plant, a traditional Chinese medicine primarily used for bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal pain. It contains bioactive compounds, notably dipsacus saponins like dipsacussaponin C, which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and bone-protective properties. While traditional use is extensive, research on this extract is moderately mature, with several in vitro, animal, and some preliminary human studies. However, there is a current lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses to definitively establish its clinical efficacy and safety. The evidence base is growing, but its application in clinical contexts remains preliminary, necessitating further rigorous investigation.
Benefits
Preliminary evidence suggests several potential benefits for Dipsacus asper extract, though most are supported by in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials. For bone health and osteoporosis, the Achyranthes bidentata–Dipsacus asper (AB–DA) herb pair, including Dipsacus asper, is traditionally used. Network pharmacology and experimental studies indicate that its bioactive compounds may promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption, potentially improving bone mineral density (BMD) and reducing fracture risk. For osteoarthritis, dipsacus saponins have shown promise in inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis by modulating apoptosis-related proteins (upregulating Bcl-2, downregulating Bax and caspases) in in vitro studies, which could help preserve cartilage and slow disease progression. Additionally, dipsacussaponin C has demonstrated gastroprotective effects in animal models, exhibiting antioxidant activity, mild anti-Helicobacter pylori effects, acid-neutralizing capacity, and reducing gastric secretion, suggesting potential benefits for gastritis and gastric ulcers.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Dipsacus asper extract are attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly dipsacus saponins. Its anti-osteoporotic effects are thought to involve multiple pathways, including the modulation of bone metabolism-related targets, promoting osteoblast differentiation, and inhibiting osteoclast activity. For osteoarthritis, the extract's anti-apoptotic effects are mediated by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase pathways, which reduces chondrocyte apoptosis and helps maintain cartilage integrity. The gastroprotective properties, primarily linked to dipsacussaponin C, involve antioxidant mechanisms, free radical scavenging, and mild inhibition of H. pylori colonization, contributing to gastric mucosal protection. While these mechanisms are proposed, the precise bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of the active saponins in humans are not yet fully characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data from large-scale randomized controlled trials for Dipsacus asper extract are currently unavailable. While traditional use suggests general tolerability, and animal studies have not reported significant toxicity at tested doses, the full spectrum of potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications in humans is not well documented. This lack of robust clinical safety data means that specific adverse effects, their severity, and frequency cannot be definitively stated. Individuals considering its use should be aware of this limited safety information and exercise caution, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications. Further rigorous clinical investigations are essential to establish a complete safety profile.
Dosage
Specific and standardized dosing regimens for Dipsacus asper extract have not been established due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Most available data come from traditional use or animal studies. For instance, animal studies investigating gastroprotective effects have used doses such as 200 mg/kg of dipsacussaponin C. However, these animal doses do not directly translate to human equivalent doses, and optimal formulations for human consumption remain to be determined. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds for human intake. Therefore, individuals should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using Dipsacus asper extract, as appropriate and safe dosages for various conditions are still under investigation.
FAQs
Is Dipsacus asper effective for osteoporosis?
Preliminary evidence from traditional use and animal studies suggests potential benefits for bone health, but high-quality human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy for osteoporosis.
Can it be used for osteoarthritis?
Mechanistic studies show chondroprotective effects in vitro, suggesting potential for osteoarthritis. However, clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking to support this use.
Is it safe?
Traditional use implies a degree of safety, but formal, comprehensive human safety data from clinical trials are insufficient. Potential side effects and interactions are not well documented.
How long until effects appear?
The timeline for effects is unknown in humans. Animal studies suggest effects over several weeks, but human data are absent, making it difficult to predict onset of action.
Research Sources
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=20469 – This animal study investigated dipsacussaponin C, a compound from Dipsacus asper, demonstrating its antioxidant, anti-Helicobacter pylori, and acid-neutralizing effects, which reduced gastritis and gastric ulcers in rats. The findings suggest potential gastroprotective benefits, though further human research is needed.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10577322/ – This research utilized network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the anti-osteoporotic effects of the Achyranthes bidentata–Dipsacus asper (AB–DA) herb pair. The study identified multiple bioactive compounds and pathways involved, with in vitro and in vivo experiments supporting its potential for osteoporosis, highlighting the need for clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5658764/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that dipsacus saponins inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2 family proteins and caspases. The findings suggest a therapeutic potential for Dipsacus asper in osteoarthritis by preserving cartilage integrity, though these results are from a cell culture model and require clinical validation.