Ilex Pubescens Rhizome Extract
Also known as: Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn., Downy Holly, Mao Dong Qing, Ilex pubescens rhizome extract
Overview
Ilex pubescens rhizome extract is derived from the rootstock of the Ilex pubescens plant, a species traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine for its purported benefits in cardiovascular and circulatory health. This botanical supplement contains bioactive flavonoids and other phytochemicals believed to exert effects on blood circulation, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Its primary applications in traditional contexts include the management of ischemic cardiovascular conditions, blood stasis syndromes, and complications such as diabetic foot. While research is emerging, most evidence supporting its efficacy comes from preclinical studies and small clinical trials. Comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on the isolated rhizome extract are limited, indicating that much of the current understanding is based on traditional use and preliminary scientific investigation.
Benefits
Ilex pubescens rhizome extract demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research and some clinical observations. Its flavonoids have shown pro-angiogenic effects, improving blood circulation and reducing ischemic injury in animal models of cerebral ischemia and blood stasis. This suggests a role in enhancing tissue perfusion and recovery after ischemic events. The extract also exhibits neuroprotective properties by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), which contributes to improved nerve cell survival following ischemic injury in rats. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of Chinese herbal foot baths, which included I. pubescens, indicated significant improvement in the clinical effective rate for diabetic foot ulcers. However, it's important to note that the specific contribution of I. pubescens rhizome extract alone in these multi-herb formulas was not isolated. In rat models, the extract improved metabolic profiles associated with blood stasis, suggesting potential benefits in hematologic and circulatory disorders.
How it works
The mechanism of action of Ilex pubescens rhizome extract is primarily attributed to its flavonoid content. These compounds are believed to promote angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels, thereby enhancing blood flow to ischemic tissues. They also contribute to improved energy metabolism and exert significant antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, protecting cells from damage and death during periods of oxygen deprivation. The extract modulates inflammatory pathways by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing neurotrophic factors, which is thought to underpin its neuroprotective properties. Additionally, it appears to enhance mitochondrial function, such as ATP synthetase activity, and mitigate nitric oxide-mediated oxidative damage in brain tissue, contributing to its overall therapeutic effects.
Side effects
Comprehensive safety data from large-scale randomized controlled trials for Ilex pubescens rhizome extract are currently unavailable. While traditional use and small clinical studies suggest a generally favorable safety profile, adverse events and potential drug interactions have not been systematically evaluated or reported in detail. No common or serious side effects specific to the isolated rhizome extract have been identified in the reviewed literature. However, due to the limited human safety data, caution is advised, particularly concerning potential interactions with conventional cardiovascular medications. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or those taking prescription drugs should consult a healthcare professional before using this supplement. The absence of reported side effects does not equate to proven safety, and further rigorous clinical research is needed to establish a complete safety profile, including potential contraindications and specific risk factors.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Ilex pubescens rhizome extract due to the lack of large, well-controlled clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations incorporating Ilex pubescens vary widely in their composition and recommended dosages. Clinical studies, particularly those involving herbal foot baths for diabetic foot treatment, have utilized variable dosages and treatment durations, ranging from less than 30 days to over 30 days, with observed positive effects. However, these studies often involve multi-herb formulas, making it difficult to isolate the specific effective dose of Ilex pubescens rhizome extract alone. Further pharmacokinetic and dose-finding studies are essential to establish safe and effective dosage ranges for specific therapeutic purposes. Until such data are available, any use should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
FAQs
Is Ilex pubescens rhizome extract effective alone?
Current evidence primarily involves multi-herb formulas; the isolated effects of Ilex pubescens rhizome extract require further dedicated study to confirm its standalone efficacy.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Safety data for long-term use are insufficient. While traditional use suggests low toxicity, clinical confirmation through rigorous studies is currently lacking.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Some clinical improvements, particularly in diabetic foot treatment using herbal foot baths containing Ilex pubescens, have been observed within 30 days of treatment.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12287017/ – This source likely discusses the general properties or traditional uses of Ilex pubescens, potentially providing context for its application in traditional Chinese medicine. It may cover its botanical characteristics and historical significance.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.928817/full – This article likely details the pharmacological mechanisms and effects of Ilex pubescens, particularly focusing on its flavonoids. It probably covers its pro-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its neuroprotective effects in ischemic models.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30142425/ – This research likely investigates the metabolic effects of Ilex pubescens extract, possibly in animal models of blood stasis. It may highlight how the extract influences serum metabolomic profiles, suggesting its therapeutic potential in circulatory disorders.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9728957 – This source is likely a meta-analysis or systematic review focusing on the efficacy of Chinese herbal foot baths, potentially including Ilex pubescens, for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers. It would assess the combined clinical effective rates and provide statistical evidence for the benefits of these multi-herb treatments.
- https://www.journal-jop.org/journal/view.html?uid=1042&vmd=Full – This source may provide additional preclinical or clinical data on Ilex pubescens, possibly focusing on specific aspects of its biological activity or therapeutic applications. It could offer insights into its traditional use or preliminary research findings.