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Dried Linden Extract

Also known as: Linden, lime flower, basswood, Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos, Tilia tomentosa, Tilia spp.

Overview

Dried Linden Extract is derived from the flowers, leaves, and sometimes bracts of Tilia species, which are trees native to temperate regions of Europe and North America. It is primarily used as a herbal supplement for its traditional sedative, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), antispasmodic, and hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) properties. Commonly consumed as a tea or tincture, it is often sought after for nervous tension, insomnia, headaches, and mild hypertension. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (e.g., kaempferol, quercetin, tiliroside), volatile oils (e.g., citral, citronellal), tannins, and phenolic acids, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While traditional use is extensive, the scientific research supporting its efficacy is moderate, with most studies being preclinical or animal-based, and a limited number of high-quality human randomized controlled trials.

Benefits

Linden extract exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and animal studies. Its most notable effects include sedative and anxiolytic properties, with animal studies suggesting mediation via benzodiazepine receptor ligands and flavonoids like kaempferol, showing anxiolytic activity in mice at doses of 10-100 mg/kg. Antispasmodic effects have been observed in in vitro rat duodenum studies, attributed to p-coumaric acids and flavonoids. Furthermore, animal models (rabbits) have demonstrated hypotensive effects, including vasodilation and lowered diastolic blood pressure. Secondary benefits include significant antioxidant activity due to its rich content of tiliroside, quercetin, and tannins, which may help reduce oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory potential is also suggested by its flavonoid content, though this has not been conclusively demonstrated in human trials. Linden extract may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing mild anxiety, stress-induced hypertension, or digestive spasms, although robust human clinical data with quantified effect sizes are currently lacking.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Dried Linden Extract are attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. Its sedative and anxiolytic effects are believed to be mediated through interaction with central benzodiazepine receptors, as suggested by animal studies. The rich flavonoid content, including compounds like tiliroside and quercetin, contributes to its antioxidant properties by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress. Vasodilation and subsequent hypotensive effects are likely achieved through the relaxation of smooth muscle, influenced by both flavonoids and volatile oils present in the extract. While these mechanisms are understood at a molecular level, detailed pharmacokinetic data regarding the absorption and bioavailability of specific compounds in dried linden extract in humans are not extensively available, though flavonoids and volatile oils are generally known to be absorbed.

Side effects

Dried Linden Extract is generally considered safe for traditional use, with no major safety concerns reported in animal studies or limited human data. Common side effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. There are no well-documented uncommon or rare adverse effects in controlled studies. However, potential drug interactions exist; linden extract may have additive sedative effects when combined with central nervous system (CNS) depressants due to its anxiolytic properties. A theoretical interaction with antihypertensive medications is also possible due to its observed vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. Therefore, individuals taking benzodiazepines, other sedatives, or blood pressure-lowering drugs should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Due to a lack of sufficient safety data, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation. Specific data for children and the elderly are also limited, suggesting a cautious approach in these populations.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for Dried Linden Extract has not been definitively established in humans, with animal studies using doses ranging from 10-100 mg/kg. Traditional preparations typically involve consuming 1-2 grams of dried linden flowers per cup when prepared as a tea. There is currently no standardized dosage for concentrated linden extracts. The maximum safe dose has not been formally defined, but traditional use suggests a low toxicity profile. Linden tea is commonly consumed 1-3 times daily. It can be found in various forms, including tea, tinctures, or freeze-dried extracts. For optimal absorption, it is often recommended to prepare linden tea with warm water, as prolonged boiling may lead to the loss of volatile oils. No specific cofactors are known to significantly enhance its effects or absorption.

FAQs

Is dried linden extract safe for anxiety?

Animal studies suggest anxiolytic effects, but human randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for anxiety in people.

Can it lower blood pressure?

Animal studies have shown hypotensive effects, but human evidence is currently insufficient to recommend it for blood pressure management.

How long until effects appear?

Animal studies suggest acute effects, but the precise timing of effects in humans is not well-documented.

Does it interact with medications?

It may have additive sedative effects with CNS depressants and could theoretically interact with antihypertensives. Consult a healthcare provider if taking medications.

Is linden tea effective as an antioxidant?

Linden contains various antioxidants, but the clinical relevance and impact of linden tea on antioxidant status in humans are not yet fully proven.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11508276/ – This phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity assay, published in Foods (2024), examined 10 herbal infusions, including linden. It found that linden infusion was rich in phenolics and exhibited significant antioxidant capacity, as measured by the ORAC assay, compared to controls. The study's limitation is its in vitro nature, meaning no clinical outcomes were assessed.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/linden.html – This review of animal pharmacology studies summarized various experiments conducted on mice and rabbits. It reported sedative and anxiolytic effects of linden mediated via benzodiazepine receptor ligands, observed vasodilation and hypotensive effects, and noted antispasmodic activity in rat duodenum. A key limitation is the absence of human RCTs, meaning animal findings may not directly translate to humans.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2322858/ – This review of herbal medicines, published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (2007), discussed how flavonoids in related plants suppress oxidative stress and inflammation through COX-2 and nitric oxide pathways. It suggested potential similar effects in linden due to its flavonoid content, though this evidence is indirect and not based on direct RCTs involving linden itself.