Oldenlandia Herb Extract
Also known as: Oldenlandia Herb, Herba Oldenlandiae, Snake-needle grass, Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb., Oldenlandia diffusa
Overview
Oldenlandia diffusa is a traditional East Asian herb, commonly known as Oldenlandia Herb or Snake-needle grass, primarily utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is recognized for its purported anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. The herb contains several bioactive compounds, including oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and various flavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological effects. While extensive in vitro and animal studies support its biological activities, high-quality human clinical trials are limited. Research maturity is moderate, with evidence primarily stemming from preclinical studies or small-scale clinical observations, often as part of multi-herb formulations. Robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to establish its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Oldenlandia diffusa demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research: - **Anti-inflammatory effects:** Animal studies, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis models, show that Oldenlandia diffusa can reduce synovitis and vasculitis. This effect is mediated by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, as evidenced in a 28-day animal study (PMC9652507). - **Anticancer effects:** In chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models, extracts and flavonoids from Oldenlandia diffusa have been shown to inhibit tumor proliferation, induce apoptosis, and reduce metastasis. Studies indicate decreased tumor size, number, and metabolic activity, leading to improved survival in treated animals (PMC4379430, Front Pharmacol 2022). - **Immunomodulation:** The herb may enhance immune responses, potentially aiding in tumor cell clearance. In vitro studies suggest it can increase oxidative burst and caspase-dependent apoptosis (PMC9652507). - **Adjunctive cancer therapy:** In traditional medicine, Oldenlandia diffusa is often used in multi-herb formulations alongside conventional cancer treatments. Some systematic reviews of Chinese herbal medicine suggest these combinations may improve chemotherapy tolerance and survival, though specific data on isolated Oldenlandia diffusa are scarce (PLOS One).
How it works
The anti-inflammatory actions of Oldenlandia diffusa are attributed to its ability to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE2, and to modulate synovial proteins involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathology. Its anticancer effects are mediated through multiple pathways, including the induction of apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and caspase activation, as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Bioactive compounds like oleanolic acid and ursolic acid are key contributors to these cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Limited studies confirm the presence of absorbable active compounds in animal models after oral administration, suggesting systemic bioavailability.
Side effects
Oldenlandia diffusa generally appears to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no major adverse effects reported at therapeutic doses. However, human safety data are very limited, and comprehensive clinical trials are lacking. A significant concern is the potential for quality control issues, including the substitution of Oldenlandia diffusa with related species, which could impact both safety and efficacy. There are no well-documented drug interactions or contraindications from high-quality clinical data. Due to the scarcity of human research, caution is advised, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if taking other medications, as potential interactions have not been thoroughly investigated.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized dosing established for Oldenlandia diffusa based on human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized oral doses that are equivalent to traditional decoctions, with treatment durations typically around 28 days. The potency of extracts can vary significantly depending on their enrichment in specific flavonoids or active compounds. Therefore, if using standardized extracts, dosing should be guided by the concentration of these active ingredients. The optimal timing of administration and specific formulation details remain unclear due to the absence of human clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Without robust clinical data, it is difficult to provide precise recommendations for human use, and any dosage should be approached with caution and under professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Oldenlandia diffusa effective for cancer treatment in humans?
Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies in animal models and in vitro. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for cancer treatment in humans.
Can Oldenlandia diffusa be used safely with chemotherapy?
While it is used adjunctively in traditional medicine, robust clinical safety data regarding its use with chemotherapy in humans are lacking. Consult a healthcare professional before combining.
How quickly do benefits from Oldenlandia diffusa typically appear?
Animal studies have shown effects after approximately 28 days of treatment. However, the timeline for benefits in humans is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical research.
Are there quality concerns regarding Oldenlandia diffusa products?
Yes, there are concerns about potential substitution with similar species, which can affect the product's safety, purity, and therapeutic efficacy. Sourcing from reputable suppliers is important.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9652507/ – This animal study investigated Oldenlandia diffusa's effects on rheumatoid arthritis. It found that the herb reduced synovitis and inflammatory cytokines in a rat model, and LC-MS confirmed the presence of absorbable active compounds after oral administration. The study provides mechanistic insights but is limited by its small sample size and animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4379430/ – This preclinical study, involving animal models and in vitro experiments, demonstrated that Oldenlandia diffusa extract reduced tumor size, number, and metabolic activity in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma. It also increased apoptosis and improved survival. While robust for preclinical evidence, it lacks human data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1019670/full – This research, combining in vitro and animal models, showed that flavonoids derived from Oldenlandia diffusa induced endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. It provides mechanistic insights into the herb's anticancer properties but is exclusively preclinical.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0057604 – This systematic review analyzed the effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), including Oldenlandia diffusa as part of multi-herb regimens, on chemotherapy outcomes in various cancer patients. It suggested potential improvements in chemotherapy tolerance, but its findings are indirect as Oldenlandia diffusa was not studied in isolation, limiting specific conclusions about the single herb.