Eriodictyon californicum 12X
Also known as: Eriodictyon californicum, Yerba Santa, California yerba santa
Overview
Eriodictyon californicum, commonly known as Yerba Santa, is a plant native to North America traditionally used for respiratory ailments and as a taste-masking agent. It contains flavonoids like eriodictyol, sterubin, and homoeriodictyol. The designation '12X' typically refers to a homeopathic dilution, indicating a highly diluted preparation. While the plant's flavonoids have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and taste-modifying properties in preclinical studies, clinical evidence specifically for the 12X preparation is limited. Research primarily consists of in vitro and in vivo studies, with a lack of high-quality clinical trials. The plant's flavonoids are extracted from its leaves and stems and are available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and homeopathic dilutions. The 12X dilution is often used in homeopathic medicine.
Benefits
Eriodictyon californicum, particularly its flavonoid components, exhibits several potential benefits supported by preclinical research. Flavonoids from E. californicum can antagonize bitter taste receptors (hTAS2R31), potentially improving the palatability of medicines. Extracts have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in vitro, reducing oxidative stress markers. Eriodictyol, a major flavonoid, has shown anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective activities in preclinical models. While these findings are promising, there is a lack of robust clinical data to confirm these benefits in specific human populations. Cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities have been suggested for eriodictyol and related flavonoids, though primarily in animal or cell studies.
How it works
Eriodictyon californicum's effects are primarily attributed to its flavonoid content. These flavonoids antagonize bitter taste receptors (hTAS2R31), altering taste perception. Eriodictyol modulates cellular signaling cascades related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Its antioxidant activity involves scavenging free radicals and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The flavonoids interact with various molecular targets, including bitter taste receptors and inflammatory mediators like NF-κB. While flavonoids like eriodictyol have moderate bioavailability, glycosides may improve solubility and absorption. However, detailed pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized.
Side effects
Eriodictyon californicum is traditionally considered safe in herbal use, with no major safety concerns reported in the literature. However, clinical safety data are limited, particularly for the 12X homeopathic dilution. No well-documented side effects have been reported in clinical studies. Potential interactions with drugs metabolized by oxidative pathways or affecting taste perception are theoretical but unstudied. There are no established contraindications. Safety in special populations such as pregnant or lactating women and children has not been established. Due to the lack of comprehensive clinical data, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking medications.
Dosage
Due to the lack of clinical trials, a minimum effective dose for Eriodictyon californicum 12X has not been established. The optimal dosage is also unknown. The 12X homeopathic dilution implies an extremely low concentration, likely below pharmacologically active levels. A maximum safe dose has not been defined. There is no data on optimal timing or duration of use. Eriodictyon californicum is typically used as leaf extracts or in homeopathic dilutions, with flavonoid content varying depending on the preparation method. Co-administration with food or other flavonoids may affect bioavailability. Given the limited data, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Eriodictyon californicum 12X, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
FAQs
Is Eriodictyon californicum 12X effective for ear ringing or other symptoms?
No high-quality clinical evidence supports efficacy for tinnitus or ear discomfort despite some traditional claims. Consult a healthcare professional for evidence-based treatments.
Is it safe to use regularly?
Based on traditional use and lack of reported adverse effects, it appears safe, but clinical safety data are lacking. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How quickly does it work?
There is no clinical data on the onset of action for Eriodictyon californicum 12X. Effects may vary, and individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Does the 12X dilution contain active compounds?
Homeopathic 12X dilutions are highly diluted; pharmacological activity at this level is questionable without supporting evidence. The concentration of active compounds is likely very low.
Research Sources
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f135892d-75e8-4cab-8938-2cbdaa3e7de1 – This DailyMed entry provides general information about Eriodictyon californicum as a homeopathic drug product. It lists the active ingredient as Eriodictyon californicum and indicates its use as a single ingredient product, but does not provide clinical evidence or specific details on its efficacy or safety.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22059530/ – This in vitro study identified flavonoids from Eriodictyon californicum that antagonize bitter taste receptors. The research suggests a potential for taste modification using these flavonoids, which could improve the palatability of medicines. However, the study is limited by its in vitro nature and lack of clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7752289/ – This review discusses the pharmacological activities of eriodictyol, a major flavonoid found in Eriodictyon californicum. It highlights eriodictyol's neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects based on preclinical studies. The review notes that most data are from in vitro and animal studies, with a lack of human randomized controlled trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4391372/ – This article discusses the use of Eriodictyon californicum in traditional medicine. It provides information on the plant's historical uses and chemical constituents, but does not offer clinical evidence supporting its efficacy or safety for specific health conditions.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3900/70/1/64 – This experimental study demonstrated the antioxidant potential of Eriodictyon californicum extract. The research showed that the extract exhibits antioxidant activity and contains phenolic compounds. However, the study is limited by its in vitro design and lack of clinical trials.