Gastrodia Extract
Also known as: Gastrodia elata, Tianma, Gastrodin, Gastrodia extract
Overview
Gastrodia extract is derived from the rhizome of Gastrodia elata, a medicinal herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Its primary bioactive compound, gastrodin, contributes to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Historically, it has been used to treat headaches, dizziness, hypertension, and muscle spasms. Modern applications focus on neuroprotection, particularly in conditions like Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular health, specifically in managing hypertension. Gastrodia extract is available in various forms, including oral supplements and injectable solutions. Research suggests its benefits stem from its ability to modulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress. While primarily studied in East Asian populations, increasing global interest has led to more research into its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications.
Benefits
Gastrodia extract has shown promise in managing hypertension and providing neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. A meta-analysis of 13 RCTs indicated that gastrodin injection, when combined with conventional therapy, significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 6.7 mmHg. Clinical evidence also suggests that Gastrodia-containing formulations, such as Tianma Gouteng decoction, can improve motor symptoms and reduce inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6 in Parkinson's disease patients when used alongside standard medications. These benefits are attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. The effects on hypertension appear more significant with treatment durations exceeding 2 weeks, while improvements in Parkinson's disease have been observed after approximately 3 months of combined therapy.
How it works
Gastrodia extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Gastrodin, its primary active compound, acts as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals, thus reducing oxidative stress. It also inhibits inflammatory pathways by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, it modulates neurotransmitter systems, including glutamate and GABA, which are crucial for neuronal function. These actions collectively contribute to its neuroprotective and cardiovascular benefits. Gastrodin is absorbed orally, although injectable forms have been used in clinical trials for more direct delivery. By interacting with these key systems, Gastrodia extract helps lower blood pressure, protect neurons, and reduce inflammation.
Side effects
Gastrodia extract is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical studies. The most common side effects are not well-documented, but mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in some individuals. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include rare allergic reactions or injection site reactions, particularly when administered via injection. Serious adverse events are rare. Potential drug interactions exist, especially with antihypertensive and antiparkinsonian medications, necessitating careful monitoring when used in combination. Due to limited data, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation. Most safety data comes from adult populations, and further research is needed to establish safety profiles for pediatric and elderly populations.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Gastrodia extract vary, and no definitive minimum effective dose has been established. Clinical trials have used gastrodin injections combined with conventional therapy, with doses varying across studies. For hypertension, longer treatment durations (over 2 weeks) appear more effective. Both oral and injectable forms are available, with injections used in some hypertension studies for more direct delivery. Oral bioavailability is moderate. While no dose-limiting toxicities have been reported in reviewed trials, the maximum safe dose is not clearly defined. It is advisable to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional when determining the appropriate dosage.
FAQs
Is Gastrodia extract effective for blood pressure?
Yes, when combined with conventional therapy, Gastrodia extract can reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 6.7 mmHg, according to meta-analysis data.
Can it be used for Parkinson’s disease?
Evidence supports its use as an adjunct to standard Parkinson's disease medications to improve motor symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Are there safety concerns?
Generally safe with a low incidence of side effects; however, monitoring is recommended when combined with other drugs, especially antihypertensive and antiparkinsonian medications.
How long does it take to see benefits?
At least 2 weeks of treatment is needed to observe effects on hypertension, while improvements in Parkinson’s disease symptoms may take around 3 months.
Research Sources
- https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/07020/the_effects_of_gastrodin_injection_on.74.aspx – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 13 RCTs with 1525 patients, found that gastrodin injection combined with conventional therapy reduced systolic blood pressure by a weighted mean difference of -6.67 mmHg. Subgroup analysis indicated that treatment durations longer than 2 weeks were necessary to observe significant effects. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane handbook, and moderate heterogeneity was noted.
- https://www.tmrjournals.com/public/articleHTML/TMR/TMR20230425001/index.html – This literature review highlights the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of Gastrodia elata relevant to cardiovascular disease. It supports the role of gastrodin in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, which underpins its clinical benefits. The review consolidates evidence from various studies to explain the pharmacological actions of Gastrodia extract.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.963327/full – This study examined the clinical effects of Tianma Gouteng decoction, a Gastrodia-containing formula, combined with standard Parkinson's disease drugs. Results from RCTs showed that the combined treatment improved Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale scores and reduced serum inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6). The treatment duration was approximately 3 months, supporting the use of gastrodia-containing formulas as an adjunct therapy for Parkinson's disease.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2023/5606021 – This review article discusses the diverse pharmacological activities of Gastrodia elata, focusing on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It highlights the potential therapeutic applications of Gastrodia elata in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and stroke, by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of Gastrodia elata's mechanisms of action and clinical relevance.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/12/9936 – This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of gastrodin against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage. The findings suggest that gastrodin can protect neurons by activating antioxidant enzymes and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of gastrodin and its potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases.