Lysimachia Christinae Extract
Also known as: Lysimachia christinae, Christina Loosestrife, Jin Qian Cao, Lysimachia christinae Hance
Overview
Lysimachia christinae, also known as Christina Loosestrife or Jin Qian Cao, is a perennial herb widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily recognized for its applications in addressing urinary tract and gallstone-related conditions. The herb contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Its main uses include the treatment and prevention of nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) and cholesterol gallstones. While research has explored its mechanisms through network pharmacology and animal models, high-quality human clinical trials are currently limited, meaning the evidence base is predominantly preclinical and mechanistic.
Benefits
Lysimachia christinae shows promising, primarily preclinical, benefits across several areas. For nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), network pharmacology analysis suggests its active compounds may target 11 related proteins, potentially regulating purine metabolism and inflammatory pathways (IL-4, IL-13 signaling), which could aid in stone prevention or treatment. In the context of cholesterol gallstones, a well-controlled animal study demonstrated that an aqueous extract significantly reduced gallstone formation, improved lipid profiles, and positively modulated gut microbiota composition, reversing diet-induced dysbiosis. While direct evidence for Lysimachia christinae is limited, related species like Lysimachia verticillaris have shown antidiabetic effects in animal models, improving pancreatic beta-cell morphology and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting potential antioxidant and antidiabetic properties for L. christinae. Preliminary systems biology analysis also hints at its potential as an adjunct in lung cancer treatment when combined with other herbs, though this area requires much more research.
How it works
Lysimachia christinae exerts its effects through various bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids and phenolics, which interact with multiple molecular targets. Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies indicate that these compounds modulate immune signaling pathways, specifically IL-4 and IL-13, and influence purine salvage pathways and neutrophil degranulation, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and stone-preventive actions. The extract's ability to modify gut microbiota composition is also a key mechanism, particularly in preventing gallstones by influencing metabolic processes. Furthermore, its antioxidant activity, likely due to its phenolic content, helps protect cells from oxidative stress, as observed in studies on related species.
Side effects
Based on the available research, no significant safety concerns or conflicts of interest have been reported for Lysimachia christinae extract in the analyzed studies. Traditional use of Jin Qian Cao suggests it is generally well-tolerated. However, specific side effect data in humans are largely lacking, as most research is preclinical. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified from the current scientific literature. Despite its traditional use and promising preclinical safety profile, comprehensive clinical safety data, including potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications in human populations, are still needed to establish its full safety profile.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized dosing established for Lysimachia christinae extract based on human clinical trials. The available research primarily involves animal studies, where aqueous extracts were used, and dosages were adjusted according to body weight. Translating these animal dosages to human equivalent doses requires rigorous clinical validation, which has not yet been performed. Furthermore, the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of Lysimachia christinae's active compounds in humans have not been well characterized. Therefore, without clinical data, specific recommendations for dosage, timing, or upper limits for human consumption cannot be provided, and caution is advised.
FAQs
Is Lysimachia christinae effective for kidney stones?
Preclinical evidence, particularly network pharmacology studies, suggests potential benefits for kidney stones by targeting relevant pathways, but high-quality human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Can it prevent gallstones?
Promising animal studies indicate that Lysimachia christinae extract can reduce cholesterol gallstone formation and positively modulate gut microbiota, suggesting a preventive role.
Is it safe?
Traditional use and preclinical data suggest a good safety profile. However, comprehensive clinical safety data in humans, including potential side effects and interactions, are currently insufficient.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Animal studies observed effects over an 8-week period. The timeline for potential benefits in humans is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7154562/ – This network pharmacology study identified 16 active compounds in Lysimachia christinae that target 11 proteins related to nephrolithiasis. It suggests the herb may regulate purine metabolism and inflammatory pathways (IL-4, IL-13 signaling), providing a computational basis for its traditional use in kidney stone treatment.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9706107/ – This controlled animal experiment demonstrated that Lysimachia christinae aqueous extract significantly reduced cholesterol gallstone formation in mice. The study also found improvements in lipid profiles and beneficial modulation of gut microbiota composition, suggesting a role in gallstone prevention and metabolic health.
- https://bezmialemscience.org/articles/antidiabetic-and-antioxidant-effect-of-the-aerial-parts-of-lessigreaterlysimachia-verticillarislessigreater-and-its-isolated-phenolic-compounds-on-streptozotocin-induced-diabetic-rats/bas.galenos.2021.6123 – This animal study investigated a related species, Lysimachia verticillaris, showing its extract improved pancreatic beta-cell morphology and exhibited antioxidant effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This suggests potential antidiabetic and antioxidant properties within the Lysimachia genus, which may extend to Lysimachia christinae.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1018273/full – This systems biology analysis explored the potential of Lysimachia christinae in combination with other herbs for lung cancer treatment. While early-stage, it suggests that such herbal combinations could enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, highlighting a novel area for future research into L. christinae's therapeutic applications.
