Lygodium Japonicum Extract
Also known as: Japanese climbing fern extract, Hai Jin Sha extract, Lygodium japonicum extract
Overview
Lygodium japonicum, commonly known as Japanese climbing fern or Hai Jin Sha in traditional Chinese medicine, is a botanical extract derived from a fern native to East Asia. The extract, typically sourced from the plant's roots and spores, is traditionally used for its purported medicinal properties. Modern research has focused on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytochrome P450 enzyme modulating effects. Key bioactive compounds identified include flavonoids such as acacetin, apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol. While preclinical studies in vitro and in animal models show promising results, human clinical trials are limited, and the research is still in early stages. The extract is primarily investigated for its potential to influence drug metabolism and mitigate oxidative stress.
Benefits
Preclinical studies suggest several potential benefits, though human clinical evidence is currently lacking. The primary observed benefit is the inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes, particularly CYP3A1, by compounds like acacetin and apigenin found in the extract. This effect, demonstrated in vitro with IC50 values of 8.20 μM for acacetin and 58.46 μM for apigenin, indicates a potential to modulate drug metabolism. Additionally, animal studies have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oral administration of L. japonicum extracts increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in animal models, suggesting a role in reducing oxidative stress. These effects may be relevant for conditions involving inflammation and oxidative damage, such as urinary lithiasis, but this remains speculative without human data. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently limited to preclinical findings, with no established clinical significance or population-specific benefits.
How it works
Lygodium japonicum extract exerts its effects primarily through the action of its flavonoid compounds. The main mechanism involves the inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes, which are crucial for metabolizing a wide range of drugs. Flavonoids like acacetin and apigenin are responsible for this inhibitory action, potentially leading to altered drug pharmacokinetics and increased systemic exposure of co-administered medications. The extract's antioxidant properties are attributed to its flavonoid content, which can directly scavenge free radicals and upregulate the body's endogenous antioxidant defense systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). These actions help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation by protecting cells from damage. The exact bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of these active compounds in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
The safety profile of Lygodium japonicum extract in humans is largely unknown due to a lack of high-quality clinical trials. Preclinical animal studies have indicated a low toxicity profile, with no reported adverse effects at doses up to 400 mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract. However, the most significant concern is the potential for drug interactions. The extract's ability to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes, as demonstrated in vitro, suggests it could interfere with the metabolism of numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications that are substrates for these enzymes (e.g., midazolam). This could lead to increased drug levels, potentially causing enhanced side effects or toxicity of co-administered drugs. As human safety data are scarce, specific common or rare side effects, contraindications, and considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions) remain undefined. Caution is advised, especially for individuals taking medications metabolized by CYP3A enzymes.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for Lygodium japonicum extract in humans due to the absence of clinical trials. All available dosage information is derived from preclinical animal studies. For instance, some rodent studies have utilized ethanol extracts at doses of up to 400 mg/kg body weight. However, these dosages cannot be directly extrapolated to humans without proper clinical investigation. The optimal dosage, timing of administration, and specific formulation for human use are unknown. Furthermore, factors such as absorption rates, bioavailability of active compounds, and potential cofactors that might influence efficacy or safety have not been studied in humans. Without clinical data, any human use of Lygodium japonicum extract should be approached with extreme caution, and self-dosing is not recommended.
FAQs
Is Lygodium japonicum extract safe for human consumption?
Preclinical animal data suggest low toxicity at tested doses, but human safety data are very limited. The potential for drug interactions, particularly with medications metabolized by CYP3A enzymes, warrants significant caution.
Does Lygodium japonicum extract interact with medications?
Yes, it may inhibit CYP3A enzymes, which are crucial for metabolizing many drugs. This could alter drug levels in the body, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced efficacy of co-administered medications like midazolam.
What benefits can I expect from taking Lygodium japonicum extract?
Animal studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, these benefits have not been proven in humans, and there is no clinical evidence to support specific health claims or expected outcomes.
How quickly do the effects of Lygodium japonicum extract appear?
The time course for any potential effects in humans is unknown due to the lack of clinical data. Preclinical studies do not provide sufficient information to determine how quickly effects might manifest in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7250706/ – This study investigated the inhibitory effects of acacetin and apigenin from Lygodium japonicum root on CYP3A1 enzyme activity. It found significant inhibition (IC50 values of 8.20 μM and 58.46 μM, respectively), suggesting a potential for herb-drug interactions. The research utilized in vitro enzyme assays and an in vivo rat model, providing robust methodology for enzyme inhibition but lacking human clinical validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12252011/ – This systematic scoping review synthesized preclinical evidence on Lygodium japonicum extract. It highlighted findings from multiple animal studies indicating that the extract increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) in kidneys and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects. The review also noted no toxicity at high doses in animal models, but emphasized the absence of human clinical trials.
- https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/1066/ – This honors thesis focused on the phytochemical analysis of Lygodium japonicum, identifying flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol. It also explored how environmental factors might influence the production of these compounds. While useful for chemical profiling, this preliminary study did not include clinical or pharmacological data on efficacy or safety.