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Dragon Bone Extract

Also known as: Dragon Bone, Long Gu, fossilized bone powder, Dragon Bone Extract, Fossilized mammal bone

Overview

Dragon Bone Extract, primarily derived from fossilized mammal bones, is a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) mineral supplement. It is often referred to as Long Gu in Chinese medicine and is distinct from Dragon's Blood Resin, which comes from a tree. This extract is commonly incorporated into complex herbal formulas, such as Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang, rather than being used as a standalone supplement. Its primary traditional uses include stress reduction, anxiety relief, insomnia management, and support for bone health or fracture healing. The extract is rich in mineral components like calcium and phosphorus, along with various trace elements. In TCM, it is believed to exert sedative and neuroprotective effects. While widely used in traditional contexts, direct clinical research specifically on Dragon Bone Extract as a single ingredient is limited. Most scientific evidence stems from studies on multi-herb formulas containing Dragon Bone or preclinical research on related substances like Dragon's Blood Resin, which has shown promise in bone and tissue healing.

Benefits

The primary benefits of Dragon Bone Extract are largely inferred from its traditional use and studies on multi-herb formulas. A small clinical trial on a modified herbal formula containing Dragon Bone (Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang Jia Jian) indicated a reduction in perceived stress scores after one month of administration, suggesting potential anxiolytic effects. However, this study had limitations, including a small sample size and lack of a control group, making the evidence preliminary. While not directly on Dragon Bone Extract, preclinical studies on Dragon’s Blood Resin, a related traditional medicine, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and osteoprotective effects in animal models of steroid-induced osteonecrosis. This suggests a potential for bone health benefits, though direct clinical evidence for Dragon Bone Extract in humans is lacking. Secondary benefits, such as improved sleep and neurological symptom relief, are primarily based on traditional use and indirect evidence from combination formulas. The time course for observed benefits, particularly for stress reduction, appears to be around one month or longer.

How it works

The precise mechanism of action for Dragon Bone Extract as a standalone ingredient is not fully understood. It is believed that its effects are primarily mediated through its mineral components, such as calcium and phosphorus, which may support bone metabolism. In the context of its traditional use, it is thought to exert neuro-modulatory effects, contributing to its purported sedative and anxiolytic properties on the central nervous system. While specific molecular targets for Dragon Bone Extract have not been identified, related compounds found in Dragon's Blood Resin have been shown to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and oxidative stress pathways, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that could contribute to bone health. The systemic absorption of its mineral components is likely low, and its overall effects may be mediated through a combination of mineral balance and indirect modulation of nervous system functions.

Side effects

Dragon Bone Extract is generally considered safe when used within traditional dosages as part of herbal formulas, with no major safety signals reported in the existing literature. There are no well-documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects. However, due to its mineral content, caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing calcium metabolism disorders. Specific drug interactions are largely unknown, but theoretical concerns exist regarding its co-administration with other sedatives or calcium supplements, which could potentially lead to additive effects or imbalances. There are no formal contraindications documented for Dragon Bone Extract. Safety in special populations, including pregnant or lactating women and children, has not been established through clinical research, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided. As with any mineral-based supplement, the quality of sourcing is crucial to mitigate potential risks of heavy metal contamination, although no specific reports of such toxicity related to Dragon Bone Extract were found.

Dosage

The optimal dosage for Dragon Bone Extract as a standalone supplement has not been clinically established, as it is predominantly used within traditional multi-herb formulas. In these traditional preparations, the powdered bone is often included in quantities of several grams per day, typically administered as part of decoctions or powders. For observed stress-reducing effects, traditional use and a small clinical trial suggest a duration of at least one month of daily administration. The maximum safe dose has not been formally determined, but traditional use implies safety within customary dosing ranges. It is commonly combined with other herbs, such as Bupleurum and Oyster Shell, in formulas like Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang, which are believed to enhance its therapeutic effects. Absorption factors for the mineral components are not well understood and may be influenced by other co-ingested substances in the herbal formulas.

FAQs

Is Dragon Bone Extract safe for long-term use?

Traditional use suggests it is safe, but there is no long-term clinical data available to confirm its safety for extended periods.

Does it work alone or only in combination?

Most available evidence and traditional practice support its use as part of combination herbal formulas rather than as a single extract.

How quickly can benefits be expected?

Some stress reduction effects have been observed after approximately one month of consistent use within a traditional formula.

Is it effective for bone healing?

Preclinical evidence from related substances suggests potential bone benefits, but direct clinical data on Dragon Bone Extract for bone healing in humans are lacking.

Can it cause heavy metal toxicity?

No reports of heavy metal toxicity were found, but ensuring high-quality sourcing is important to avoid potential contamination.

Research Sources

https://yosan.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Lamoureux-Capstone-for-Library.pdf – This clinical trial investigated a modified herbal formula containing Dragon Bone and found a significant reduction in perceived stress scores after one month. However, the study was small, single-arm, and lacked a control group, providing preliminary but low-to-moderate quality evidence for its anxiolytic potential.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2023.1202888/full – This preclinical study on animal models demonstrated that Dragon’s Blood Resin, a related traditional medicine, suppressed osteoclast activity and oxidative stress, ameliorating bone necrosis. While not directly on Dragon Bone Extract, it suggests potential bone health benefits through anti-inflammatory and osteoprotective mechanisms.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3615628/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on Chinese herbal formulas for hypertension, some of which included mineral components. It indicated some efficacy in symptom control, but the methodological quality was low with high heterogeneity, making its relevance to Dragon Bone Extract indirect and of low quality.