Dolichoris Seed Extract
Also known as: Horse gram, Muthira, lablab bean, Dolichos lablab, Lablab purpureus, Dolichos biflorus
Overview
Dolichos biflorus, commonly known as horse gram, is a leguminous plant native to India and other parts of Asia. Its seeds are utilized both as a food source and in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. Extracts, typically prepared as methanolic or aqueous solutions from the seeds, have been investigated for various potential health benefits. Research primarily focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, gastroprotective, and antiviral properties. While preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) show promising results, human clinical trials are currently lacking. Therefore, its efficacy and safety in humans are not yet established, and it is considered an emerging area of research.
Benefits
Preclinical research suggests several potential benefits of Dolichos biflorus seed extract: - **Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant:** Methanolic seed extract has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models, even outperforming a standard anti-inflammatory drug. It achieves this by reducing pro-inflammatory enzyme activities (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, nitric oxide synthase) and oxidative stress markers, while simultaneously boosting antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels. The evidence for this is strong in animal models. - **Anti-obesity:** Aqueous seed extract has shown promise in reducing triglyceride accumulation and promoting lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell lines. Furthermore, animal studies in high-fat diet-induced obese rats indicated a reduction in body weight and fat pad weights. This benefit is supported by both in vitro and animal research. - **Gastroprotective:** Extracts from the related species, Dolichos lablab, have exhibited protective effects against stress-related mucosal damage in rat stomach models, leading to reduced bleeding and gastric irritation. This suggests potential for protecting the gastric lining. - **Antiviral potential:** Methanolic extracts of Lablab purpureus (a related species) have shown in vitro inhibition of viral plaque formation, indicating potential antiviral properties. However, this is early-stage research and requires further investigation.
How it works
The mechanisms of action for Dolichos biflorus seed extract are being elucidated through preclinical studies. Its anti-inflammatory effects are believed to stem from the inhibition of key enzymes in inflammatory pathways, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, alongside a reduction in oxidative stress through the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. The anti-obesity effects may involve direct inhibition of adipogenesis (fat cell formation) and stimulation of lipolysis (fat breakdown) at a cellular level. Gastroprotective actions likely involve mitigating oxidative damage and inflammation within the gastric mucosa. Antiviral properties, though preliminary, might be due to specific phytochemicals interfering with viral replication or entry mechanisms, although the precise molecular targets are yet to be fully identified.
Side effects
Currently, there are no documented human clinical safety data or reported side effects for Dolichos biflorus seed extract in the reviewed scientific literature. Animal studies have not reported any overt toxicity at the tested doses, such as 50 mg/kg in rats. Due to the lack of human trials, common side effects, specific risk factors, and potential drug interactions remain largely unknown. While its traditional use as a food source suggests a general low toxicity, formal toxicology studies in humans are absent. Therefore, caution is advised, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using this supplement, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Dolichos biflorus seed extract due to the absence of clinical trials. In animal models, an effective dose for anti-inflammatory effects was reported as 50 mg/kg of a methanolic extract. However, this dosage cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. The type of extract (methanolic vs. aqueous) can significantly influence the profile of bioactive compounds and their bioavailability, further complicating dosage recommendations. Without human safety and efficacy data, any use of this extract should be approached with caution, and individuals should avoid self-dosing. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are currently undefined.
FAQs
Is Dolichos biflorus seed extract effective for inflammation?
Preclinical evidence from animal models supports its anti-inflammatory effects, showing reductions in inflammatory markers and improved antioxidant status. However, human data are needed to confirm these benefits.
Can it aid weight loss?
Animal and cell studies indicate potential anti-obesity effects by reducing fat accumulation and promoting fat breakdown. Nevertheless, human clinical trials are required to validate these findings.
Is it safe?
Traditional dietary use suggests low toxicity, and animal studies show no overt toxicity at tested doses. However, comprehensive human clinical safety data are currently absent, so caution is advised.
How should it be taken?
There are no standardized human dosing guidelines. Extracts vary by preparation (e.g., methanolic vs. aqueous), which can affect their properties. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9355002/ – This animal study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic Dolichos biflorus seed extract. It found that the extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema and inflammatory markers in rats, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to a standard anti-inflammatory drug. The study suggests the extract's potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7417803/ – This animal study explored the gastroprotective effects of aqueous Dolichos lablab seed extract. It demonstrated that the extract reduced stress-induced gastric bleeding and mucosal damage in rats, indicating its potential to protect the stomach lining. The research provides mechanistic insights into its protective actions.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2023/6251200 – This research combined in vitro and animal studies to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of Dolichos biflorus seed extract. It showed that the extract reduced adipogenesis and triglyceride accumulation in cell lines and decreased body weight and fat pad weights in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. The findings suggest a potential role in managing obesity.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c01478 – This in vitro study investigated the antiviral potential of Lablab purpureus (a related species) methanolic extracts. It found that the extracts inhibited viral plaque formation in cell cultures, suggesting promising antiviral properties. This research is preliminary but indicates a new area for further investigation.
