Hydrilla Verticillata Powder
Also known as: Hydrilla, water thyme, Hydrilla verticillata
Overview
Hydrilla verticillata is a submerged aquatic plant native to Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa, primarily known for its invasive potential in freshwater ecosystems outside its native range. While not a widely recognized dietary supplement ingredient, it has been the subject of limited preclinical research for potential bioactive properties. Specifically, studies have explored its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects in experimental models. The plant's primary scientific and regulatory focus remains ecological risk due to its aggressive growth and significant impact on aquatic habitats. Research on Hydrilla verticillata as a human supplement is extremely limited, with no systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or clinical trials supporting its use in humans. Any potential benefits are currently based solely on preliminary animal studies.
Benefits
The most relevant peer-reviewed study identified investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Hydrilla verticillata extract in fish exposed to lead toxicity. This preclinical study demonstrated that Hydrilla powder mitigated lead-induced liver damage by modulating hepatic transcriptional responses and stress proteins (HSP70), suggesting antioxidant and protective effects at the cellular level. This indicates a potential for liver protection in specific toxicological contexts. However, it is crucial to note that this finding is from an animal model and has not been replicated or confirmed in human studies. There are no clinical trials, human studies, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses supporting any health benefits of Hydrilla verticillata powder for human consumption. Therefore, no evidence-based benefits for humans can be stated at this time.
How it works
The observed hepatoprotective effect of Hydrilla verticillata in preclinical models appears to be linked to its ability to modulate oxidative stress pathways. Specifically, it has been shown to upregulate heat shock proteins (HSP70) and metallothionein, which are crucial cellular defense mechanisms that protect cells from heavy metal toxicity and oxidative damage. Additionally, Hydrilla may influence cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in the body's detoxification processes. The exact bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and their precise mechanisms of action in biological systems have not been fully characterized or quantified, especially in the context of human physiology.
Side effects
There are no direct toxicological risks to humans reported in the scientific literature reviewed for Hydrilla verticillata. The plant is primarily noted for its ecological risks as an invasive species rather than human toxicity. However, it is critical to understand that there is a complete lack of clinical safety data or adverse effect profiles in humans. No human trials have been conducted to assess its safety, potential side effects, or interactions with medications. Therefore, the safety profile for human consumption is entirely unknown. Without human clinical data, it is impossible to determine potential side effects, severity, frequency, specific risk factors, drug interactions, or contraindications. Consumers should exercise extreme caution due to the absence of safety information.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for Hydrilla verticillata powder as a dietary supplement due to the complete lack of clinical research in humans. The experimental studies that have been conducted were in animal models (fish) and used unspecified extract concentrations, making it impossible to extrapolate human equivalent doses. Without human clinical trials, any suggested dosage would be speculative and potentially unsafe. There is no information available regarding optimal timing, different dosages for various purposes, or absorption factors. Furthermore, no upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption have been determined.
FAQs
Is Hydrilla verticillata powder safe for human consumption?
There is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm the safety or efficacy of Hydrilla verticillata powder for human consumption. No human clinical trials have been conducted to assess its safety profile.
Does Hydrilla verticillata powder have proven health benefits?
Only preliminary animal model data suggest potential liver-protective effects against lead toxicity. There are no human data, high-quality clinical trials, or systematic reviews to support any health benefits in humans.
Can Hydrilla verticillata powder be used for detoxification or liver health?
While preclinical animal studies hint at potential liver-protective effects, this is not supported by clinical evidence in humans. Its use for detoxification or liver health in humans is not scientifically validated.
Research Sources
- https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Ecological-Risk-Screening-Summary-Hydrilla-verticillata.pdf – This document from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides an ecological risk screening summary for Hydrilla verticillata. It details the plant's invasive potential, its impact on aquatic ecosystems, and its classification as a significant environmental concern, highlighting its ecological rather than human health implications.
- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hydrilla-verticillata.pdf – This publication from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) focuses on Hydrilla verticillata as an invasive aquatic weed. It describes the plant's biology, spread, and management strategies, reinforcing its primary identity as an ecological threat rather than a human supplement.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32907406/ – This peer-reviewed experimental study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Hydrilla verticillata extract in fish exposed to lead toxicity. It found that the extract mitigated lead-induced liver damage by modulating stress proteins, suggesting potential antioxidant and protective effects at a cellular level in an animal model.
- https://apms.org/wp-content/uploads/japm-22-01-001.pdf – This source, likely from the Journal of Aquatic Plant Management, provides further context on Hydrilla verticillata, focusing on its management and ecological impact. It reinforces the plant's status as a significant aquatic invasive species and its relevance in environmental science.