Lycoris Radiata Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Red spider lily extract, Spider lily extract, Lycoris radiata (L'Hér.) Herb. extract, Lycoris radiata aerial parts extract
Overview
Lycoris radiata aerial parts extract is derived from the above-ground portions of the *Lycoris radiata* plant, native to East Asia. This botanical extract is known for its rich content of biologically active alkaloids, including lycorine, galantamine, crinine, lycoramine, and narciclasine. Traditionally, it has been investigated for a range of potential therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and antiviral effects. While numerous in vitro and animal studies suggest promising applications, the research maturity is moderate, with a notable absence of high-quality human clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses specifically on the extract. The current evidence base is predominantly preclinical or early clinical, indicating a need for more rigorous human studies to validate its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Research indicates several potential benefits, though primarily from preclinical studies. The extract has shown **antiviral activity**, particularly against coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, by inhibiting viral proteases essential for replication. This suggests potential therapeutic value against viral infections, though human data is lacking. It also exhibits **antioxidant properties**, with methanolic extracts demonstrating strong activity attributed to phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which may offer cytoprotective effects. Furthermore, alkaloids within the extract, such as lycorine and galantamine, contribute to **neuroprotective effects**; galantamine, in particular, is an approved drug for Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the cognitive-enhancing potential of isolated components, though the effect of the crude extract is less defined. Lastly, lycorine has demonstrated **anticancer potential** by inhibiting the proliferation of certain cancer cell lines through cell cycle arrest in vitro.
How it works
The mechanism of action for *Lycoris radiata* aerial parts extract is attributed to its diverse alkaloid content. Its **antiviral effects** are primarily linked to the inhibition of viral proteases, such as 3CL protease and PL^pro^, which are crucial for viral replication. The **antioxidant effects** stem from the scavenging of reactive oxygen species by phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in the extract. **Neuroprotective actions** involve the modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission, particularly by galantamine, and the inhibition of cell proliferation pathways by lycorine. The bioavailability of these alkaloids can vary depending on the extraction method and formulation, and specific pharmacokinetic data for the crude extract are limited.
Side effects
The safety profile of *Lycoris radiata* aerial parts extract in humans is not well-established due to a lack of comprehensive clinical trials. Preclinical studies suggest low to moderate toxicity, but it's important to note that lycorine, one of its primary alkaloids, can be toxic at high doses. Common side effects in humans are not documented, and specific risk factors for adverse reactions remain undefined. Potential drug interactions are a concern, as the alkaloids may affect the nervous system and interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved in drug metabolism. However, specific data on these interactions are currently lacking. Contraindications for use, as well as considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant women, children, individuals with pre-existing conditions), are also undefined due to insufficient clinical research. Caution is advised given the presence of potent alkaloids.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for *Lycoris radiata* aerial parts extract in humans. The optimal dosage, timing, and formulation for any specific purpose remain undetermined due to the absence of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized variable concentrations of the extract, making it difficult to extrapolate to human dosing. For any future human use, standardization of the alkaloid content would be crucial to ensure consistent and safe dosing. Without clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are unknown, and self-administration is not recommended. Further rigorous clinical research is essential to determine safe and effective dosages.
FAQs
Is it safe to consume?
Safety in humans is not established due to a lack of clinical trials. While preclinical studies show low to moderate toxicity, caution is advised, especially given the presence of potent alkaloids like lycorine.
Does it treat COVID-19?
In vitro studies show promising antiviral activity against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting viral proteases. However, there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a treatment for COVID-19 in humans.
How fast do benefits appear?
The onset of benefits in humans is not established. All current evidence is from preclinical studies, and human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are lacking.
Is it the same as galantamine?
No, galantamine is just one of several alkaloids found in *Lycoris radiata* extract. The extract contains multiple compounds that contribute to its overall effects, which may differ from those of isolated galantamine.
Research Sources
- https://asianpubs.org/index.php/ajchem/article/download/25_17_55/8376 – This study from Asian Journal of Chemistry (2013) performed chemical analysis and in vitro experiments. It identified lycorine, an alkaloid from *Lycoris radiata*, as a growth inhibitor and potential anticancer agent in various cancer cell lines. The research is preclinical, focusing on isolated compounds and cell-level effects, without human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9965937/ – This review published in Life (Basel) (2023) discusses the antiviral activity of various plant extracts. It highlights *Lycoris radiata* extract's ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 proteases in vitro, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent. The study is a review of preclinical data, emphasizing the need for clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8013762/ – This review on medicinal plants' antiviral potential (2021) includes *Lycoris radiata* among plants with demonstrated anti-SARS-CoV activity. It summarizes existing in vitro evidence for its antiviral properties, but notes the significant lack of clinical trials to confirm these effects in humans.