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Lodhra Bark Extract

Also known as: Lodhra, Lodhra Bark Extract, Symplocos racemosa

Overview

Lodhra Bark Extract is derived from the bark of *Symplocos racemosa*, a plant extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, hepatoprotective, and female reproductive health benefits. Its therapeutic properties stem from bioactive compounds such as tannins (e.g., racemosic acid), flavonoids, glycosides (symplocoside, lodhrin), and phenolic compounds. These constituents contribute to its astringent, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects. While traditional use is widespread and supported by numerous in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies, large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans specifically on isolated Lodhra extract are limited, and systematic clinical evidence remains sparse. It is often found in polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations.

Benefits

Lodhra Bark Extract offers several potential benefits, primarily due to its rich phytochemical profile. It exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with flavonoids scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Its astringent tannins are beneficial for gastrointestinal health, helping to manage diarrhea and gut irritation by reducing mucosal exudation. Animal studies have shown dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects against chemically induced liver damage and efficacy in treating female reproductive disorders induced by stress. Glycosides from the bark have demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity, which could be relevant for conditions involving abnormal blood vessel growth. Furthermore, certain fractions can inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, suggesting potential anti-diabetic effects by modulating carbohydrate digestion. While direct clinical evidence for isolated Lodhra is limited, polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations containing Lodhra have shown significant symptom reduction (up to 81.81% in bowel frequency and 91.58% in bleeding) in ulcerative colitis patients in small clinical studies. It may also aid in wound healing and improve skin integrity due to the protein-precipitating action of tannins.

How it works

Lodhra Bark Extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its tannins precipitate proteins in mucosal and skin tissues, which reduces permeability and exudation, contributing to its astringent and wound-healing properties. Flavonoids act as potent antioxidants, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and mitigating oxidative stress. Specific glycosides found in the extract have been shown to inhibit thymidine phosphorylase, an enzyme involved in angiogenesis, thereby potentially inhibiting abnormal blood vessel growth. Additionally, certain fractions of Lodhra can inhibit digestive enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. This inhibition reduces the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and subsequent glucose absorption, suggesting a mechanism for potential anti-diabetic effects. The exact pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability of its active compounds in humans are not yet well-documented.

Side effects

Lodhra Bark Extract is traditionally considered safe in Ayurvedic practices, and animal studies along with small clinical trials have not reported major safety concerns. However, due to the limited number of large-scale human clinical trials, the full spectrum of common side effects is not well documented. Specific drug interactions are largely unknown, and caution is advised when co-administering with medications metabolized by liver enzymes, given Lodhra's observed hepatoprotective activity. Contraindications are not clearly established; therefore, pregnant or lactating women should consult a healthcare provider before use. Data on special populations, such as children or individuals with pre-existing conditions, are limited, and human safety data for these groups are lacking. Overall, while generally perceived as safe, comprehensive safety data from rigorous human trials are needed.

Dosage

There is no standardized dosage for Lodhra Bark Extract established through rigorous clinical trials. Traditional Ayurvedic practices utilize decoctions or various extracts, with dosages varying based on the specific condition and individual. Animal studies have employed ethanolic extracts at varying doses to observe pharmacological effects, but these do not directly translate to human recommendations. The optimal dose, maximum safe dose, and appropriate timing for human consumption require further clinical research. Due to the lack of standardized clinical data, individuals should exercise caution and consult with a qualified healthcare professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine an appropriate and safe dosage, especially given that most clinical evidence comes from polyherbal formulations rather than isolated Lodhra.

FAQs

Is Lodhra effective alone or only in polyherbal formulations?

Most clinical evidence for Lodhra's efficacy comes from polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations. Clinical trials specifically on isolated Lodhra extract are currently lacking, making it difficult to ascertain its standalone effectiveness.

Is Lodhra Bark Extract safe for long-term use?

Traditional Ayurvedic use suggests long-term safety, but rigorous, long-term safety data from modern clinical trials are not available. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for extended use.

Can Lodhra be used for diabetes management?

In vitro studies show Lodhra can inhibit digestive enzymes relevant to blood sugar control, suggesting potential anti-diabetic effects. However, clinical evidence in humans is insufficient to recommend it for diabetes management.

How quickly does Lodhra Bark Extract work?

Animal and in vitro studies indicate effects within days to weeks. However, the precise time course for clinical effects in humans is currently unknown due to limited clinical research.

Research Sources

https://ask-ayurveda.com/wiki/article/2205-lodhra – This source provides an overview of Lodhra, detailing its traditional Ayurvedic uses, key chemical constituents like tannins and flavonoids, and its general properties such as astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It highlights its application in inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and female reproductive disorders.
https://www.jbino.com/docs/Issue04_12_2018.pdf – This phyto-pharmacological review summarizes the pharmacological actions of *Symplocos racemosa*, including anti-angiogenic, hepatoprotective, and female reproductive disorder treatment in animal models. It identifies active glycosides and tannins as key compounds responsible for these effects, primarily based on preclinical data.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5607396/ – This study on an Ayurvedic formulation containing Lodhra (Lodhrasavam) demonstrated the inhibition of digestive enzymes alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase by Lodhra-containing fractions. This in vitro finding supports the potential anti-diabetic effects of Lodhra by modulating carbohydrate digestion, though it lacks clinical trial data.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26851499/ – This systematic review from 2016 on *Symplocos racemosa* reviewed its ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological studies. It confirmed anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and reproductive benefits observed in vitro and in vivo, while also highlighting the critical need for further clinical validation and safety assessment in humans.
https://www.cureus.com/articles/347924-the-efficacy-of-ayurvedic-herbs-in-the-prevention-and-treatment-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease-a-scoping-review.pdf – This scoping review on Ayurvedic herbs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) reported significant symptom improvements in ulcerative colitis patients using polyherbal formulations that included Lodhra. However, it noted that the isolated effects of Lodhra were not assessed, and the studies had limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of RCTs focusing solely on Lodhra.