Lifeflower Erigeron Breviscapus Herb Extract
Also known as: Lifeflower, Dengzhanxixin, Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., Erigeron breviscapus
Overview
Erigeron breviscapus is a perennial herb native to China, traditionally utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular benefits. The extract is rich in flavonoids, with breviscapine identified as the primary active compound. It is commonly applied in the management of ischemic stroke, various cardiovascular conditions, glaucoma, and hypertensive nephropathy. Research on E. breviscapus is moderately developed, encompassing multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses, predominantly conducted within Chinese populations. While promising, the quality of evidence varies, with some systematic reviews highlighting methodological limitations that result in low to moderate quality findings.
Benefits
Erigeron breviscapus extract offers several evidence-based benefits. For ischemic stroke, large clinical trials suggest it may reduce recurrence and improve disability and daily living activities post-stroke over 16-48 months. In cardiovascular diseases, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate improvements in angina symptoms, ECG changes, and blood rheology parameters like blood viscosity and fibrinogen. Emerging evidence points to neuroprotective effects in glaucoma, potentially slowing optic nerve damage independently of intraocular pressure. For hypertensive nephropathy, meta-analyses of Chinese RCTs show that breviscapine injections, when combined with antihypertensive drugs, can reduce proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen, and improve creatinine clearance, though no significant effect on systolic blood pressure has been observed. The strength of evidence ranges from moderate for stroke and hypertensive nephropathy to low for cardiovascular conditions and preliminary for glaucoma, with most studies conducted in Chinese populations.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Erigeron breviscapus are primarily attributed to its flavonoid compounds, particularly breviscapine. These compounds exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. They are known to inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance microcirculation, which contributes to its benefits in ischemic stroke and cardiovascular conditions. In the context of glaucoma, the extract's mechanisms include inhibiting retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and protecting against oxidative stress. Furthermore, it modulates renal function markers, likely through its anti-inflammatory and endothelial protective properties. The extract is absorbed orally when taken as capsules, while intravenous injections are used clinically in China for acute conditions.
Side effects
Erigeron breviscapus is generally well tolerated, with large trials reporting no serious adverse events. However, smaller RCTs have noted mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and abdominal distension, with an incidence of approximately 5-10%. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established, caution is advised when combining it with anticoagulants due to its antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically increase bleeding risk. The majority of safety data originates from Chinese populations, meaning broader population data are limited. Individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also exercise caution due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
Dosage guidelines for Erigeron breviscapus vary depending on the form and intended use. Clinical trials have utilized both oral capsules (e.g., DZSM) and intravenous injections of breviscapine. For secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, oral doses are often administered over several months to years, though specific standardized dosages are not consistently reported across studies. In cardiovascular RCTs, intravenous doses typically ranged from 20-40 mg daily for a duration of two weeks. It is important to note that optimal dosing and maximum safe doses are not yet well-defined outside of specific clinical trial protocols. Patients should consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations, especially given the varying forms and applications.
FAQs
Is Erigeron breviscapus safe for long-term use?
Large observational studies suggest safety over months to years, but long-term randomized controlled trial data are currently limited, particularly outside of Chinese populations.
Can Erigeron breviscapus replace standard stroke or cardiovascular treatments?
No, it is intended to be used as an adjunctive therapy alongside standard medical treatments for stroke and cardiovascular conditions, not as a replacement.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Erigeron breviscapus?
Symptomatic improvements in angina have been observed within two weeks, while reductions in stroke recurrence are typically noted over several months to years of use.
Is Erigeron breviscapus effective in non-Chinese populations?
Most research has been conducted in Chinese patients, so data on its efficacy and safety in other populations are currently limited and require further investigation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9086453/ – This source discusses the use of Erigeron breviscapus, particularly in the context of ischemic stroke. It highlights a large RCT (Huang & Guo 2010) showing improved disability and daily living activities post-stroke with E. breviscapus injection, noting its moderate quality due to single population and limited blinding details.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00289/full – This article reviews the pharmacological effects of breviscapine, the main active component of Erigeron breviscapus. It details how breviscapine improves angina symptoms, ECG changes, and blood rheology parameters in cardiovascular conditions, citing small RCTs with mild GI side effects and low to moderate quality evidence.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2409-2999 – This literature review explores the potential neuroprotective effects of Erigeron breviscapus in glaucoma. It suggests that the extract may protect retinal ganglion cells and slow optic nerve damage, indicating preliminary evidence based on mostly preclinical and early clinical data.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/2958717 – This meta-analysis of Chinese RCTs investigates the effects of breviscapine injection combined with antihypertensive drugs for hypertensive nephropathy. It concludes that this combination reduces proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and improves renal function, though it notes no significant effect on blood pressure and assesses the evidence as moderate quality with some bias risk.