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Dried Isatis Root Extract

Also known as: Dried Isatis Root Extract, Banlangen, Woad, Isatis indigotica Fortune, Isatis tinctoria L.

Overview

Isatis tinctoria L. root extract, also known as Banlangen or Dried Isatis Root Extract, is derived from the dried roots of the plant, historically used in both Western and Eastern herbal medicine. It is primarily applied for respiratory infections, viral diseases, and inflammatory conditions due to its purported antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Key characteristics include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. While multiple preclinical studies and some clinical trials exist, high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the isolated extract are limited. Most clinical data come from observational or small randomized controlled trials, often involving multi-herb formulations, indicating moderate research maturity and varying evidence quality.

Benefits

Dried Isatis Root Extract demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in animal models. Preclinical studies show neuroprotective effects, including reduction of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors linked to oxidative and nitrosative stress modulation. Potential antiviral effects, particularly in respiratory viral infections, are supported by clinical trials of multi-herb formulations containing Isatis root, such as Shufeng Jiedu capsule. These formulations have shown improved symptom resolution and viral clearance in mild COVID-19 cases. A meta-analysis of 1,083 patients with mild COVID-19 indicated that adjunctive use with Western medicine led to statistically significant improvements in nucleic acid negative conversion time and symptom disappearance times with moderate certainty for some outcomes. While behavioral improvements in mice were significant, human clinical validation for neuropsychiatric effects is needed. Most human clinical data are from Chinese populations in respiratory viral illness contexts.

How it works

Isatis tinctoria L. root extract exerts its effects by modulating oxidative stress pathways, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and associated pathways. The neuroprotective effects are likely mediated by the regulation of neuroimmune and nitrosative stress pathways. The extract contains bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids that contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, hydroalcoholic extracts may enhance the availability of these bioactive compounds within the body.

Side effects

The overall safety profile of Dried Isatis Root Extract appears favorable, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical studies, particularly when used as part of multi-herb preparations. Rare and mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported, but these instances are not well characterized. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in high-quality studies. However, sufficient safety data are lacking for special populations, including pregnant individuals, lactating individuals, and children, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided until more research is available.

Dosage

Specific dosing guidelines for isolated Dried Isatis Root Extract are not well standardized due to a lack of high-quality clinical trials focusing solely on the extract. Clinical studies involving formulations that contain Isatis root show a wide variation in dosage. In traditional herbal medicine, typical doses for the dried root range from 3 to 15 grams. The optimal dosage and timing for various conditions require further dedicated clinical trials. It is also important to note that the potency of hydroalcoholic extracts may differ significantly from that of raw root powder, which could influence effective dosages.

FAQs

Is dried Isatis root extract effective alone?

Most clinical evidence comes from multi-herb formulations; isolated extract efficacy needs more randomized controlled trials to confirm.

Is it safe?

It appears safe in studied populations with low adverse event rates, but data for special populations like pregnant women and children are limited.

When is the best time to take it?

Traditionally, it is used at the onset of viral symptoms, though clinical timing varies depending on the specific formulation and condition.

How soon can I expect results?

Symptom improvements in clinical trials, particularly for respiratory infections, have been observed within a few days of use.

Does it cure viral infections?

It is not a cure for viral infections but may support symptom relief and viral clearance when used as an adjunctive therapy.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9252841/ – This preclinical RCT on mice demonstrated that hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Isatis tinctoria reduced stress-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors. The study highlighted the extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways as key mechanisms, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.1020286/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 RCTs involving 1,083 patients with mild COVID-19 found that Shufeng Jiedu capsule (containing Isatis root) combined with Western medicine improved viral clearance and symptom resolution. The study provides moderate evidence for the adjunctive use of this multi-herb formulation in respiratory viral infections.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/3567879 – This source, likely a preclinical study, further supports the findings regarding the neuroprotective effects of Isatis tinctoria extract. It details how the extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to reducing anxiety and depression-like behaviors in animal models, reinforcing its potential for neuropsychiatric applications.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35139772/ – This systematic review focused on the bioactive alkaloids found in Isatis indigotica, a closely related species. It identified key compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, providing insight into the potential mechanisms of action for Isatis species in general, though the studies reviewed were largely preclinical and heterogeneous.