Erythropalum Scandens Blume Extract
Also known as: Erythropalum scandens, Erythropalum scandens Blume Extract, Erythropalum scandens Blume
Overview
Erythropalum scandens Blume is a plant species native to parts of Asia, traditionally utilized in Chinese herbal medicine. Extracts, typically derived from its leaves and stems, are proposed for the treatment of prostatic disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, with additional suggested uses for gout and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The extract can be prepared through water or organic solvent extraction, sometimes incorporating fermentation to enhance bioactivity. Research into Erythropalum scandens Blume is currently in its early stages, primarily consisting of preclinical studies and patent literature. There is a notable lack of comprehensive clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses, indicating a low level of research maturity and sparse peer-reviewed clinical data.
Benefits
The primary reported benefit, according to a Chinese patent, is the alleviation of symptoms associated with prostatic hyperplasia and inflammation, including dysuria, perineal pain, and frequent urination. The patent claims symptom improvement within 3-10 days of treatment. This proposed benefit targets middle-aged males with non-infectious bacterial prostate hyperplasia or hypertrophy. However, these claims are based on patent applications and lack independent, peer-reviewed clinical trial data. Potential secondary effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, have been suggested but are not clinically validated. There are no quantitative clinical data or established effect sizes from independent studies to support these claims, and the quality of evidence is considered very low.
How it works
The precise mechanism of action for Erythropalum scandens Blume extract is not well-characterized in peer-reviewed literature. It is proposed that its traditional use in prostatic conditions may stem from unconfirmed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. These suggested effects are presumed to interact with the urinary and reproductive systems. However, no specific biological pathways, molecular targets, or pharmacokinetic data regarding absorption and bioavailability have been identified or studied in scientific research. The current understanding of how this extract might exert its effects is speculative and lacks empirical validation.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Erythropalum scandens Blume extract is largely unknown due to a significant lack of peer-reviewed safety data and clinical adverse event reports. There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects. Furthermore, no data are available regarding potential drug interactions or contraindications. Specific risk factors or considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant women, children, individuals with pre-existing conditions) have not been established. Without clinical trials, the safety of this extract cannot be assessed, and its use should be approached with extreme caution.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for Erythropalum scandens Blume extract from clinical studies. The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose remain unknown. While a patent suggests symptom relief within 3-10 days, this does not provide specific timing considerations for administration. Extracts can be prepared as water-based or organic solvent-based, and fermented products are also mentioned, but there are no form-specific recommendations. Absorption factors and required cofactors have not been studied or reported. Due to the lack of safety and efficacy data, no reliable dosage recommendations can be provided.
FAQs
Is Erythropalum scandens extract clinically proven for prostate health?
No, there are no high-quality clinical trials or systematic reviews to confirm the efficacy of Erythropalum scandens extract for prostate health. Claims are primarily from patent literature.
Is it safe to use Erythropalum scandens extract?
The safety profile of Erythropalum scandens extract is unknown due to a lack of clinical data and adverse event reports. Its use should be approached with caution.
How quickly does Erythropalum scandens extract work?
A patent claims symptom improvement within 3-10 days, but this is unverified by independent clinical research and lacks scientific validation.
Are there known side effects of Erythropalum scandens extract?
No side effects have been documented in peer-reviewed literature, but this is due to a lack of clinical studies, not confirmed safety.
Can Erythropalum scandens extract be combined with other medications?
There is no data available regarding potential drug interactions, making it impossible to determine if it can be safely combined with other medications.
Research Sources
- https://patents.google.com/patent/CN106511408A/en – This patent application describes the use of Erythropalum scandens extract for treating prostatic disorders, claiming symptom improvement within 3-10 days. It is a patent, not a peer-reviewed clinical trial, and lacks detailed methodology or statistical analysis, providing only preliminary, unvalidated claims.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Pharmacognostical-Investigation-of-Erythropalum-An-Sutha-Kalpana/07e00835cc2ea4988a28e8786fbc192c0d76d5d7 – This pharmacognostical study provides botanical and microscopic characterization of Erythropalum scandens leaves and stems. It focuses on the plant's physical and structural properties but does not include any data on clinical efficacy or safety in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10403090/ – This study investigates the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and physiology of Erythropalum scandens seedlings. Its findings are related to plant cultivation and agricultural science, and it does not provide any information relevant to human health, clinical effects, or supplement use.
