Lophatherum Leaf Extract
Also known as: Lophatherum Leaf Extract, Lophatherum sinense, Sweet Grass, Dan Zhu Ye, Lophatherum gracile
Overview
Lophatherum Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the grass species Lophatherum gracile, a plant widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditionally, it is consumed as a herbal tea or decoction, primarily for its purported anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. The extract contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While Lophatherum Leaf Extract has a long history of traditional use, scientific research specifically on the isolated extract is emerging but remains limited. Most available clinical data stem from studies on complex TCM herbal formulations rather than the isolated extract itself. Consequently, the overall quality of clinical evidence is considered low, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and no systematic reviews or meta-analyses focusing solely on Lophatherum Leaf Extract.
Benefits
Preclinical studies and animal models suggest potential antiviral activity, particularly against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and hepatoprotective effects. These findings, however, have not been consistently replicated or confirmed in human clinical trials. Traditional use also points to anti-inflammatory effects and symptom relief in respiratory conditions when Lophatherum is part of herbal tea formulations, but robust clinical evidence for these benefits is weak and inconclusive. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate sample sizes and rigorous methodology that have conclusively demonstrated the clinical efficacy of Lophatherum Leaf Extract alone. Benefits for specific populations, such as pediatric use, are not well-studied independently, and the contribution of Lophatherum in multi-ingredient TCM formulations is difficult to isolate. Due to the lack of robust data, the effect sizes and clinical significance of any potential benefits remain unclear, and the time course for observing benefits is not well documented.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Lophatherum Leaf Extract are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. In preclinical models, these compounds may exert antiviral effects by modulating inflammatory pathways and inhibiting viral replication, as suggested by metabolomics studies in RSV lung injury models. The hepatoprotective effects observed in animal models, particularly against acute alcohol-induced liver injury, are thought to involve antioxidant activity and the modulation of liver enzymes. While these mechanisms provide insight into its potential biological activities, data on the absorption and bioavailability of these compounds in humans are limited. Flavonoids generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability, which could influence their systemic effects.
Side effects
Based on its long history of traditional use and the limited available clinical data, the overall safety profile of Lophatherum Leaf Extract appears acceptable, with no significant adverse events reported in the existing studies. However, due to the lack of large-scale clinical trials, common side effects are not well documented. There are no known serious drug interactions or contraindications specifically reported for isolated Lophatherum Leaf Extract, but caution is advised due to insufficient comprehensive safety data. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, are lacking for the isolated extract, meaning its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided until more research is available. Comprehensive safety assessments, including potential long-term effects, are needed.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines established for isolated Lophatherum Leaf Extract. Its traditional use typically involves herbal tea preparations, where concentrations can vary significantly. Clinical trials that have investigated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations containing Lophatherum do not specify the independent dosage of the extract, making it difficult to extrapolate specific recommendations. The optimal dosage, timing of administration, and most effective formulation (e.g., extract vs. whole herb) require further rigorous research. Without standardized guidelines, users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if considering its use as an isolated supplement.
FAQs
Is Lophatherum Leaf Extract effective for respiratory infections?
Preclinical data suggest potential antiviral effects, but clinical evidence in humans is currently insufficient to confirm its efficacy for respiratory infections. More research is needed.
Is Lophatherum Leaf Extract safe to use?
Traditional use suggests it is generally safe, but rigorous safety data from large-scale clinical trials are lacking. No serious side effects have been reported, but caution is advised.
How should Lophatherum Leaf Extract be taken?
Traditionally, it is consumed as a herbal tea or as part of multi-ingredient TCM formulations. There are no standardized dosing guidelines for isolated extract supplements.
How quickly do effects of Lophatherum Leaf Extract appear?
The time course for observing effects is currently unknown due to the lack of comprehensive clinical trials on the isolated extract. Effects may vary based on individual and formulation.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9458676 – This systematic review examined 6 RCTs on herbal teas, including those with Lophatherum, for chronic superficial pharyngitis. It concluded that studies had low methodological quality, lacked blinding, and provided insufficient data to confirm efficacy. The review highlighted the need for higher quality research.
- https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/4aqAGPN4/ – This preclinical metabolomics study investigated the ethanol extract of Lophatherum gracile in a mouse model of RSV-induced lung injury. It demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, identifying modulated metabolic pathways, providing mechanistic insight but requiring clinical translation.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/16/2521 – This animal study showed that tea-like plants, including Lophatherum, exhibited hepatoprotective effects against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in rodents. The findings suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, but their clinical relevance in humans needs further establishment.