Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Myrica Nagi Bark Extract

Also known as: Myrica esculenta, Box myrtle, Kaiphal, Myrica nagi

Overview

Myrica nagi bark extract is derived from the stem bark of the Myrica nagi tree, a plant traditionally used in Asian medicine for various ailments. It is rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Research indicates potential applications as an anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor agent, with some suggested gastrointestinal regulatory effects. While traditional use is widespread, the scientific evidence base is primarily preclinical, with limited human data. There is a lack of systematic reviews or meta-analyses, suggesting that while promising, its efficacy and safety in humans require further robust clinical investigation.

Benefits

Preclinical studies suggest several potential benefits. It has demonstrated anti-diarrheal effects in animal models, reducing intestinal motility and secretion, attributed to its tannin, flavonoid, and terpenoid content. Significant antioxidant and tumor-suppressing activities have been observed in rodent models, where it inhibited tumor growth, induced apoptosis, and suppressed angiogenesis. Preliminary clinical and ethnopharmacological data hint at its utility for gastrointestinal health, including symptom relief in irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, related Myrica esculenta leaf extracts have shown analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models, and potential antidiabetic properties by reducing blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic rats. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently limited to preclinical and some preliminary human observations, necessitating further robust clinical trials.

How it works

Myrica nagi bark extract exerts its effects through various mechanisms. Its antioxidant properties stem from the ability of its bioactive compounds to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce lipid peroxidation, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes like catalase. The anti-tumor effects involve interfering with cancer cell proliferation, inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), and inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that supply tumors. Anti-diarrheal actions are linked to a reduction in intestinal motility and secretion, potentially by modulating cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP pathways. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory actions may involve inhibiting mast cell degranulation and modulating various inflammatory mediators.

Side effects

Acute toxicity studies in rats have shown a favorable safety profile, with no toxic signs observed at oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg. Animal studies at therapeutic doses have not reported any significant side effects or behavioral changes. However, comprehensive human safety data are extremely limited. While preliminary clinical and ethnopharmacological surveys have not reported significant adverse events, the absence of extensive clinical trials means that a complete safety profile for human use is not yet established. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications due to the insufficient clinical data. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications or having pre-existing health conditions, as potential interactions or adverse effects in humans are not fully understood.

Dosage

Dosage guidelines for Myrica nagi bark extract are not well-established for human use due to a lack of clinical trials. In animal models, effective doses for anti-diarrheal activity ranged from 125 to 500 mg/kg. However, these animal doses cannot be directly extrapolated to humans without proper clinical validation. The specific form of the extract (e.g., aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic) can influence its bioavailability and efficacy, with different forms studied for various effects. There are no established maximum safe doses or specific timing recommendations for human consumption. Individuals should avoid self-dosing and await further human clinical research to determine safe and effective dosages.

FAQs

Is Myrica nagi bark extract safe?

Animal studies suggest a good safety margin, but human safety data are insufficient. More research is needed to confirm its safety for human consumption.

What conditions can it help with?

Preclinical data suggest potential benefits for gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, tumor suppression, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Human efficacy is not yet confirmed.

How soon do effects appear?

In animal models, effects on diarrhea and tumor growth were observed within days to weeks. Human data on the onset of effects are not available.

Are there any known drug interactions?

None are currently documented due to insufficient clinical data. Caution is advised until more human research is available.

Research Sources

https://ijirt.org/publishedpaper/IJIRT176589_PAPER.pdf – This preclinical in vivo study in rodent tumor models investigated the effects of Myrica nagi bark extract. It reported significant tumor inhibition, antioxidant effects, and improved gut health. The study highlights promising pharmacological activities but notes the lack of human trials and randomized controlled trials, indicating preliminary clinical data only.
https://www.xiahepublishing.com/m/2572-5505/JERP-2022-00047 – This preclinical in vivo study in rats (n≥6 per group) examined the anti-diarrheal properties of Myrica nagi bark extract. It demonstrated dose-dependent anti-diarrheal and anti-motility effects and confirmed safety up to 2000 mg/kg. The study's limitations include a small sample size and the absence of human data or randomized controlled trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6631742/ – This source, likely a review or compilation of preclinical studies, discusses various animal models investigating Myrica nagi. It reports antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal effects, along with antioxidant activity. The summary notes the absence of systematic reviews or meta-analyses and emphasizes that the findings are primarily based on animal data.
https://iipseries.org/assets/docupload/rsl202440CB29934531A85.pdf – This source likely discusses the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Myrica esculenta leaves in animal models. It suggests potential therapeutic applications for pain and inflammation. The research, while promising, is based on preclinical findings and requires further human validation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5192258/ – This source likely details research on the metabolic effects of Myrica esculenta leaf extracts. It indicates a reduction in blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic rat models, suggesting potential antidiabetic properties. The findings are from preclinical studies and highlight the need for human clinical trials to confirm these effects.