Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract
Also known as: Rehmannia, Chinese foxglove, Di Huang, Radix Rehmanniae, Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata, Rehmannia glutinosa
Overview
Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract is derived from the root of the *Rehmannia glutinosa* plant, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The root is typically processed by steaming or cooking, which is believed to enhance its bioactivity and reduce potential toxicity. This herbal extract is widely recognized for its use in traditional Asian medicine, particularly for skin health, anti-inflammatory effects, and immunomodulation. It contains key bioactive compounds such as iridoid glycosides (e.g., catalpol) and polysaccharides, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While research on the cooked extract is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and mechanistic studies, large-scale clinical trials and meta-analyses are still limited. However, existing evidence supports its potential benefits, particularly for conditions like acne.
Benefits
Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 22 females with moderate to severe acne demonstrated that 100 mg/day of *Rehmannia glutinosa* leaf extract significantly reduced acne severity by 21.7% at day 28, with continued improvement at day 56, compared to placebo. This study also noted improvements in skin hydration and quality of life without reported safety concerns, indicating a clinically relevant effect for skin health. Beyond skin conditions, preclinical studies suggest significant anti-inflammatory effects, primarily through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10, which could be beneficial in autoimmune models. The extract also exhibits antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, mainly attributed to catalpol, suggesting potential benefits for anti-cancer and anti-rheumatoid arthritis applications. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicate a regenerative potential by enhancing mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and cardiac pre-differentiation. While clinical evidence for these broader benefits is still emerging, the existing research highlights its diverse therapeutic potential.
How it works
Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its primary mechanism involves potent anti-inflammatory action, achieved by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ. It also demonstrates significant antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the NF-kB pathway, which is crucial in inflammatory responses. The extract's active compounds, particularly catalpol, contribute to these effects. Additionally, it promotes cell proliferation and differentiation, as seen in mesenchymal stem cells, where it upregulates cardiac genes like GATA4, Nkx2.5, and cTnT, suggesting regenerative capabilities. These actions collectively contribute to its immunomodulatory, skin barrier improving, and potential cardiovascular tissue regeneration effects. Traditional cooking or steaming of the root is believed to enhance the bioavailability and modify the active compounds, optimizing their interaction with body systems.
Side effects
Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract appears to be generally safe and well-tolerated when used at studied dosages. In a human clinical trial using 100 mg/day of the leaf extract, no adverse effects were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile for short-term use. There are no documented common, uncommon, or rare side effects in the reviewed studies. Specific drug interactions have not been reported. However, due to its immunomodulatory effects, caution is advised for individuals with autoimmune conditions, as its impact on these conditions is not fully understood. Contraindications are not explicitly stated, but as with many herbal supplements, safety in special populations such as pregnant or lactating women and children has not been established, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution. Comprehensive safety data from large-scale, long-term clinical trials are still needed to fully ascertain its safety profile across diverse populations and conditions.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract, based on a clinical trial for acne, is 100 mg/day of the leaf extract. This dosage was administered orally after breakfast and demonstrated significant efficacy. Optimal dosage ranges for other conditions or for the root extract are not yet firmly established due to limited clinical data. The maximum safe dose has not been determined, but no adverse effects were observed at 100 mg/day in the aforementioned trial. While the clinical trial used a leaf extract, traditional medicine commonly utilizes cooked or steamed root extracts. Processing methods like steaming or puffing are believed to enhance the bioavailability and antioxidant capacity of the extract. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy. Users should adhere to recommended dosages and consult healthcare professionals, especially when considering higher doses or for conditions other than those studied.
FAQs
Is Organic Cooked Rehmannia Extract safe?
Yes, at the studied dose of 100 mg/day, it appears safe with no reported side effects in controlled clinical trials for acne. However, long-term safety data is limited.
How soon can benefits be expected?
For skin conditions like acne, benefits have been observed within 28 days, with continued improvement noted up to 56 days of consistent use.
Does it help beyond skin conditions?
Preclinical evidence suggests anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative effects, but clinical data supporting these broader benefits in humans are currently limited.
Is the leaf or root extract better?
The clinical trial for acne used a leaf extract. Traditional medicine often uses cooked root extract. Both contain bioactive compounds, but their specific effects and potencies may differ.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11034513/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=22) investigated *Rehmannia glutinosa* leaf extract (RGLE) for acne. It found that 100 mg/day RGLE significantly reduced acne severity by 21.7% at day 28, improved skin hydration, and enhanced quality of life without safety concerns, suggesting its efficacy for moderate to severe acne.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5532465/ – This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of *Rehmanniae Radix*, highlighting its anti-inflammatory properties through cytokine suppression (TNF-α, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10) and antioxidant activity. It discusses potential applications in autoimmune diseases, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, primarily based on preclinical findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9236712/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that *Rehmannia glutinosa* extract stimulated the proliferation and cardiac pre-differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). It showed upregulation of cardiac-specific genes (GATA4, Nkx2.5, cTnT), suggesting its potential for regenerative medicine, particularly in cardiac repair.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6595023/ – This study investigated the effects of different processing methods on *Rehmannia glutinosa*. It found that puffing enhanced the antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract compared to traditional steaming, indicating that processing can significantly influence the bioactivity and therapeutic potential of the herb.