Enicostema Extract
Also known as: Enicostema littorale, Enicostema Extract, Enicostemma littorale
Overview
Enicostemma littorale, commonly known as Enicostema Extract, is a bitter-tasting herb traditionally utilized in various folk medicine systems for its purported benefits in conditions such as rheumatic pain, fever, skin diseases, obesity, and metabolic disorders. It is typically derived from the whole plant or its leaves, with extracts commonly prepared using solvents like methanol or ethanol. In the context of dietary supplements, Enicostema Extract is explored for its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and anti-cancer properties, as well as its role in metabolic regulation. While preclinical research on E. littorale is moderately developed, indicating promising pharmacological activities, there is a current lack of high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically focusing on this extract in human subjects. This necessitates further rigorous clinical investigation to validate its efficacy and safety for human use.
Benefits
Enicostema littorale demonstrates several evidence-based benefits primarily observed in preclinical studies. It exhibits significant **anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects**, with a methanolic extract at 150 mg/kg showing notable pain relief in animal models and reducing paw swelling by 15.81% in Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats, suggesting potential for rheumatoid arthritis symptom alleviation. The evidence for this is strong in animal models but lacks human clinical trials. It also possesses **antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties**; an aqueous leaf extract (250 mg/kg) reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidative stress markers in ethanol-induced liver injury in rats, simultaneously improving antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, and GPx. This benefit is supported by animal studies. Furthermore, the ethanolic leaf extract (250 mg/kg) has shown **anti-cancer potential** by significantly preventing tumor incidence, volume, and burden in a hamster model of chemically induced oral cancer, indicating chemopreventive capabilities. While promising, this is also based on animal research. Traditional use and some preliminary evidence suggest **metabolic benefits**, including lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects, though robust clinical trials are currently absent to substantiate these claims.
How it works
Enicostema littorale primarily exerts its effects through the modulation of anti-inflammatory pathways and reduction of oxidative stress. Its active compounds are believed to decrease pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating inflammation and pain. The extract enhances the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), which collectively reduce lipid peroxidation and protect against oxidative damage. Its potential chemopreventive actions may involve influencing cellular proliferation and apoptosis pathways, although the precise molecular targets and comprehensive mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of Enicostema littorale in humans have not been extensively characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data for Enicostema littorale extract are currently insufficient, as high-quality clinical trials reporting adverse effects are lacking. Animal studies have indicated no significant toxicity at doses up to 250 mg/kg, suggesting a relatively safe profile in preclinical settings. However, this does not directly translate to human safety. Due to the limited human data, caution is strongly advised. There is a lack of information regarding potential interactions with conventional medications, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs or chemotherapeutic agents, which could lead to unforeseen adverse effects or altered drug efficacy. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking prescription medications, or pregnant/nursing women should exercise extreme caution and consult a healthcare professional before considering supplementation. Without robust human clinical trials, the full spectrum of potential side effects, their severity, and frequency remain unknown. Therefore, Enicostema littorale should be used with prudence, acknowledging the significant gaps in its human safety profile.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Enicostema littorale extract due to the absence of rigorous clinical trials. Effective doses observed in animal studies range from 150 to 250 mg/kg of body weight, typically using methanolic or ethanolic extracts. It is crucial to note that these animal dosages do not directly translate to human recommendations. The potency and efficacy of the extract can vary significantly depending on the form (e.g., methanolic, ethanolic, aqueous) and the level of standardization of active compounds. Without human clinical data, specific recommendations for dosage ranges, timing of administration, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be provided. Furthermore, safe upper limits and toxicity thresholds for human consumption have not been determined. Consumers should be aware of this lack of established guidelines and proceed with extreme caution.
FAQs
Is Enicostemma Extract effective for arthritis?
Preclinical studies in animal models show promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, suggesting potential for arthritis relief. However, human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy in humans.
Is Enicostemma Extract safe for human consumption?
Animal studies suggest safety at tested doses, but there is insufficient human safety data from high-quality clinical trials. Therefore, its safety profile in humans is not well-established, and caution is advised.
How long does it take to see effects from Enicostemma Extract?
Animal studies typically assess effects over weeks. However, due to the lack of human clinical data, there is no information available regarding the time frame for observing effects in humans.
Can Enicostemma Extract replace conventional drugs?
No, Enicostemma Extract cannot replace conventional drugs. While it shows potential as an adjunctive therapy based on preclinical findings, it lacks clinical validation for standalone use and should not be considered a substitute for prescribed medications.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0960327114562033 – This preclinical study investigated the analgesic and anti-arthritic effects of Enicostemma littorale in rats. It found that a methanolic extract at 150 mg/kg significantly reduced pain in hot plate and tail immersion tests and decreased paw swelling by 15.81% in a Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis model, indicating promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=51330 – This preclinical study explored the chemopreventive potential of Enicostemma littorale ethanolic leaf extract in a hamster model of chemically induced oral cancer. The study demonstrated that a 250 mg/kg dose significantly prevented tumor incidence, volume, and burden, suggesting its potential role in cancer prevention.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3609395/ – This review summarizes various preclinical studies on Enicostemma littorale, highlighting its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects in animal models. It supports the traditional uses of the plant but notes the absence of human clinical trials, emphasizing the need for further research to validate its therapeutic potential.