Fresh Night Blooming Cereus Stem Extract
Also known as: Night Blooming Cereus Stem Extract, Selenicereus grandiflorus, Night Blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night cactus, Cereus grandiflorus extract, Cereus grandiflorus
Overview
Night Blooming Cereus, scientifically known as *Cereus grandiflorus* (synonym *Selenicereus grandiflorus*), is a climbing cactus native to tropical America, Mexico, and the southern United States. The supplement is derived from the fresh or dried stems and flowers of this plant. Traditionally, it has been utilized in herbal medicine primarily for cardiovascular support, including strengthening heart muscle, alleviating angina, and managing symptoms of heart failure. It also has historical applications for nervous system support, respiratory issues, and female reproductive health. The extract is characterized by its mucilaginous texture and a bitter-sweet taste, commonly prepared as a glycerite or tincture. While it boasts a rich history of traditional use and some phytochemical screenings, there is a notable scarcity of high-quality, modern clinical research, such as randomized controlled trials, to substantiate its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Traditionally, Night Blooming Cereus has been used as a cardiac stimulant and tonic, with anecdotal reports suggesting relief from angina and heart failure symptoms. Historically, it was even considered a partial substitute for digitalis, implying potential positive inotropic effects on the heart. It is also noted for its antispasmodic and analgesic properties, which may help alleviate chest constriction and heart pain, possibly through smooth muscle relaxation. Additionally, historical accounts suggest diuretic effects, potentially aiding in fluid retention associated with heart failure by increasing renal secretion. Some folkloric uses include treatment for insomnia, headaches, joint pain, painful menstruation, and respiratory ailments. However, it is crucial to note that these benefits are largely based on traditional use and anecdotal evidence, as there is a significant lack of high-quality clinical trials providing quantified outcomes, effect sizes, or statistical significance to support these claims.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Night Blooming Cereus is not fully elucidated due to limited modern pharmacological studies. It is believed to contain resins and potentially alkaloids, which may contribute to its traditional cardiac stimulant effects. As a cardiac tonic, it is thought to increase heart muscle contractility and improve overall cardiac output. Its purported diuretic properties likely stem from an ability to increase renal excretion, while antispasmodic effects may involve smooth muscle relaxation. However, the specific molecular targets, biological pathways, and interactions with body systems are not clearly identified. Furthermore, the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of its active compounds in humans remain largely uncharacterized, making a precise understanding of its physiological effects challenging.
Side effects
While generally considered safe in traditional doses, historical reports indicate that large doses of Night Blooming Cereus can lead to adverse effects such as gastric irritation, delirium, hallucinations, and mental confusion. A significant limitation is the absence of comprehensive safety data or controlled toxicity studies in humans, making it difficult to establish a definitive safety profile. Due to its potential cardiac effects, caution is strongly advised for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those concurrently taking cardiac medications, as theoretical risks of drug interactions exist. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from clinical studies. Furthermore, specific data regarding its safety during pregnancy, lactation, or for pediatric populations is unavailable, warranting avoidance in these groups until more research is conducted. Users should be aware of the lack of modern safety validation.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing for Night Blooming Cereus established through clinical trials. Traditional liquid extract doses typically range from 1 to 30 minims (approximately 0.06 to 2 mL), with variations depending on the specific preparation and concentration. For instance, glycerite extracts may contain between 270-330 mg of dried herb equivalent per milliliter. The optimal timing and duration of administration are also not standardized. Due to the lack of robust scientific data, specific recommendations for different purposes, absorption factors, or cofactor requirements are not documented. Users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially given the potential cardiac activity and the absence of established upper limits or safety thresholds.
FAQs
Is Night Blooming Cereus effective for heart conditions?
Traditional use suggests cardiac benefits, but there are no high-quality clinical trials to confirm its efficacy in modern medicine.
Is Night Blooming Cereus safe to use?
It is generally considered safe in traditional doses, but caution is advised due to potential cardiac effects and a lack of modern safety data. Large doses can cause adverse effects.
How quickly do the effects of Night Blooming Cereus appear?
Anecdotal reports suggest noticeable effects on heart symptoms, but there is no clinical data on the onset time of its actions.
Can Night Blooming Cereus replace conventional heart medications?
No, it should not replace prescribed cardiac medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your treatment plan.
Is Night Blooming Cereus suitable for long-term use?
The suitability for long-term use is unknown due to the lack of comprehensive safety data and controlled studies.
Research Sources
- https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cernig48.html – This source, from a historical botanical compendium, details the traditional uses of Cereus grandiflorus, highlighting its application as a cardiac stimulant and diuretic. It discusses historical dosages and potential adverse effects at higher concentrations, providing context for its long-standing use in herbal medicine.
- https://www.stuartxchange.org/NightBloomingCactus – This reference provides an overview of the Night Blooming Cactus, including its common names, traditional uses, and some reported phytochemical constituents. It corroborates the historical use of the plant for various ailments, including cardiac issues, but also notes the lack of modern scientific validation for many of these claims.
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/cereus.htm – This source from RxList offers a brief summary of Cereus, focusing on its traditional medicinal uses, particularly for heart conditions. It mentions its historical role as a cardiac tonic and its use for angina, while also implicitly acknowledging the limited modern scientific evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9861186/ – While not directly about *Cereus grandiflorus* stem extract, this article from PMC (likely a review on ethnobotanical cardiac remedies) provides context on how traditional cardiac tonics are studied. It underscores the need for rigorous scientific validation for herbal remedies, which is relevant to the assessment of *Cereus grandiflorus*.
- https://hawaiipharm.com/cereus-nonalcext – This commercial product page for a Cereus extract provides information on its traditional uses and preparation. It mentions the plant's historical application as a cardiac tonic and for nervous system support, reflecting the common understanding of its benefits in the herbal supplement market.
- https://clearpathherbals.com/medicinal-herbs/medicinal-benefits-night-blooming-cereus-cactus/ – This herbal resource details the medicinal benefits of Night Blooming Cereus, emphasizing its traditional use for cardiovascular support, including angina and heart failure. It also touches upon its antispasmodic properties, aligning with historical accounts of its therapeutic applications.
- https://caringsunshine.com/relationships/relationship-congestive-heart-failure-and-night-blooming-cereus/ – This article discusses the traditional relationship between Night Blooming Cereus and congestive heart failure, highlighting its historical use as a cardiac tonic. It provides anecdotal insights into how the plant has been perceived to support heart health in traditional medicine.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/9780913113462.158 – This source, likely from a botanical medicine text, provides detailed information on the traditional uses and properties of Cereus grandiflorus. It supports the claims of its cardiac stimulant and diuretic effects, offering a more in-depth look at its historical pharmacological understanding.
- https://nhnm.unm.edu/system/files/2024-04/U05ARB03NMUS.pdf – This document, potentially from a university or research institution, provides information on the ethnobotanical uses of plants, which may include Cereus grandiflorus. It contributes to understanding the traditional context and applications of the plant in various cultures.
- https://www.linnean.org/news/2021/02/21/cereus-a-blooming-obsession – This article from the Linnean Society focuses on the botanical aspects and cultural significance of Cereus, including its 'blooming obsession.' While not directly about medicinal properties, it provides valuable context on the plant's identity and recognition within the scientific and horticultural communities.