Gmelina arborea Root
Also known as: Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. Root, Beechwood Root, Gmelina Root, White Teak Root, Gmelina arborea Root
Overview
Gmelina arborea is a deciduous tree native to South East Asia, with its root traditionally used in medicine. The root is described as acrid, bitter-sweet, stomachic, tonic, laxative, galactagogue, and antihelmintic. It contains bioactive compounds like iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, and flavonoids. Traditional uses include treatment for digestive issues, nervous disorders, heart and skin diseases, and as a tonic for memory and pulmonary health. Research suggests potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, though most evidence is from animal studies. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and establish safe dosing guidelines. The plant's various parts, including the root, have been utilized in traditional medicine systems for centuries.
Benefits
- **Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects:** Animal studies suggest that Gmelina arborea stem bark extract may reduce brain inflammation and cell death after ischemic injury by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. However, this benefit is based on animal studies using stem bark extract, not the root specifically, and human trials are needed. - **Digestive and Tonic Effects:** Traditional uses indicate the root may improve digestion, act as a laxative, and promote lactation. These effects are primarily supported by traditional knowledge and phytochemical presence, rather than robust clinical trials. - **Other Traditional Uses:** The root is traditionally used for fever, burning sensations, and nervous disorders, but clinical evidence is lacking.
How it works
The neuroprotective effects are thought to be mediated through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways. Gmelina arborea extract may downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α), mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK), and apoptotic enzymes (caspase-3), while upregulating anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). The presence of iridoids and phenylpropanoid glycosides likely contributes to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the exact mechanisms and bioavailability in humans are not well-characterized.
Side effects
There is limited direct clinical safety data on Gmelina arborea root extracts. Traditional use suggests a tolerable safety profile, but systematic safety assessments and adverse event reports from controlled trials are lacking. No documented drug interactions or contraindications are available from high-quality studies. Animal studies do not report significant toxicity at tested doses. Due to the lack of comprehensive safety data, caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, and those taking other medications. Further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of Gmelina arborea root.
Dosage
No established dosing guidelines from clinical trials exist for Gmelina arborea root. Experimental animal studies used doses such as 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of stem bark extract to demonstrate neuroprotective effects. Traditional medicine dosing varies and is not standardized. Due to the lack of clinical data, it is not possible to recommend a safe and effective dosage for humans. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before using Gmelina arborea root, especially given the limited safety and efficacy data.
FAQs
Is Gmelina arborea root effective for neurological conditions?
Animal studies show promising neuroprotective effects, but human clinical trials are lacking. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Is it safe to use?
Traditional use suggests safety, but clinical safety data are insufficient. Caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
How long before effects appear?
Time course data are unavailable; animal studies typically assess acute or subacute effects. The onset of effects in humans is unknown.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217516/ – This ethnopharmacological review summarizes the phytochemistry and traditional medicinal uses of Gmelina arborea. It highlights the plant's multi-system benefits and lists major bioactive compounds, emphasizing the root’s use as a tonic, laxative, and antihelmintic. The review notes a lack of clinical trial data to support these traditional uses.
- https://academic.oup.com/rpsppr/article/3/3/rqae015/7685938 – This randomized controlled animal study demonstrated that Gmelina arborea stem bark extract significantly reduced brain inflammation and apoptosis markers compared to ischemic control. The study showed neuroprotective efficacy at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses, suggesting potential benefits for reducing brain damage after ischemic events, although this was observed in animals, not humans.
- https://www.ijfans.org/uploads/paper/d9bce5c26d02be19b9403375e4af0ae8.pdf – This study provides a physicochemical and nutritional analysis of Gmelina arborea seeds. While it offers insights into the seed's composition, it does not address the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes related to the root or other parts of the plant.