Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

organic Lantana camara

Also known as: Lantana, Shrub Verbena, Butterfly Bush, *Lantana camara*

Overview

*Lantana camara* is a flowering plant native to tropical regions of the Americas but has spread to many parts of the world. Known for its vibrant flowers, it is often used as an ornamental shrub. The leaves and other parts of this plant contain various bioactive compounds, including terpenes, glycosides, and fatty acids, which contribute to its traditional medicinal uses. Research has highlighted its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, though it is important to note the majority of studies have been conducted in vitro or in animal models, with limited human clinical trials available. This emphasizes the need for further investigation into its safety and effective dosage in human applications.

Benefits

1. **Anticancer Effects**: *Lantana camara* leaf extracts exhibit cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines, with IC50 values between 45.65 μg/mL to 78.08 μg/mL. This effect has been particularly significant in studies involving breast cancer cells, indicating potential as an anticancer agent. 2. **Antiepileptic and Anxiolytic Effects**: The plant extracts show promise in reducing seizures and anxiety in animal models at doses ranging from 230 mg/kg to 920 mg/kg, suggesting potential therapeutic effects for epilepsy and anxiety disorders. 3. **Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties**: Extracts have demonstrated the ability to inhibit elastase release, showcasing anti-inflammatory effects, alongside antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. 4. **Neuroprotective Effects**: The extracts have shown potential in mitigating neuroinflammation related to Alzheimer’s-like cognitive impairment. Overall, while these effects are supported by animal studies and in vitro research, human clinical validation is necessary for confirmation.

How it works

*Lantana camara* operates through multiple biological pathways. Its anticancer effects are mediated via apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest which involves modulation of p53 and related kinases. For antiepileptic and anxiolytic effects, the extracts are believed to regulate GABA levels and inhibit ferroptosis, impacting neurological functions. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties stem from the inhibition of elastase release from neutrophils, implicating the immune response regulation.

Side effects

The safety profile of *Lantana camara* is generally considered favorable based on animal studies; however, comprehensive human data are lacking. Common and uncommon side effects have not been well-documented, and most studies report no significant adverse effects among animals. Potential drug interactions may arise, particularly with medications that affect the nervous or immune systems, but these interactions remain to be fully understood. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with chronic health conditions due to limited safety data. Overall, while currently documented side effects remain low, further human studies are essential for more definitive safety assessments.

Dosage

The effective dosage varies based on application; anticancer research suggests a minimum IC50 of 45.65 µg/mL, while antiepileptic and anxiolytic effects were noted at 230-920 mg/kg for ethanolic extracts in animal models. Human-specific dosages have not yet been established. Factors like timing of administration and the specific purpose of use play a crucial role in determining effective dosing, and optimal dosage ranges would significantly benefit from further research.

FAQs

What is the safety profile of *Lantana camara*?

While animal studies indicate a generally favorable safety profile, human safety data are limited, warranting caution during use.

How should *Lantana camara* be administered?

No established protocols exist, and timing should be guided by specific applications and future research findings.

What are the expected results of using *Lantana camara*?

Potential benefits include significant anticancer, antiepileptic, and anxiolytic effects, although results can vary by individual and context.

Are there common misconceptions about *Lantana camara*?

Some believe herbal supplements are always safe; however, *Lantana camara* should be used under medical supervision due to limited safety data.

Research Sources

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.02.04.527114v2.full – This study details the anticancer effects of *Lantana camara* leaf extracts, demonstrating significant cytotoxic properties against breast cancer cell lines with clear methodologies.
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4917384 – Research highlighting the antiepileptic and anxiolytic effects of *Lantana camara* in animal models, showing effective dosage ranges and significant findings in seizure alleviation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33976376/ – An overview of *Lantana camara* that covers various bioactive components and their potential therapeutic applications, emphasizing the need for further studies.
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/13/1699 – This review discusses the bioactive compounds present in *Lantana camara* and connects them to traditional uses, providing insights into the potential for modern therapeutic applications.
https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/acmi/10.1099/acmi.ac2021.po0217 – The study explores the antimicrobial effects of *Lantana camara* against *Candida* isolates, demonstrating its wound healing properties and efficacy.