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Organic Sesbania grandiflora Extract

Also known as: Agati, Hummingbird tree, Sesbania, Organic Sesbania grandiflora Extract, Sesbania grandiflora

Overview

Sesbania grandiflora is a fast-growing tree native to Southeast Asia, traditionally used in folk medicine for its purported antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional properties. The extract, often derived from leaves or flowers, is gaining recognition as a dietary supplement. It is primarily aimed at improving metabolic health, supporting hair growth, and enhancing scalp condition. While research is still emerging, a combination of in vitro, animal, and limited human clinical trials suggests promising effects. The evidence base is moderate but growing, with some controlled human trials supporting specific benefits, particularly for hair health. It is available in various supplement forms, typically as a botanical extract.

Benefits

Sesbania grandiflora extract shows promising, evidence-based benefits in several areas: * **Hair Health:** A randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated significant improvements in hair density (approximately 25% increase) and hair thickness (about 17% increase) over 56 days. The study also noted a 27% increase in serum ferritin, indicating improved iron status crucial for hair growth. Nearly 72% of participants reported overall improved hair health. This benefit is supported by a well-designed human clinical trial. * **Antidiabetic Effects:** Preclinical studies in rat models of type 2 diabetes showed that methanolic extract of Sesbania grandiflora significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest potential for blood sugar management, though human trials are needed to confirm this effect. * **Alpha-Amylase Inhibition:** In vitro studies have shown that the extract can inhibit alpha-amylase activity by 81% at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml. This mechanism suggests a potential to reduce carbohydrate digestion and subsequent postprandial glucose spikes, offering a theoretical basis for its antidiabetic properties. The strength of evidence for this benefit is currently limited to in vitro studies.

How it works

Sesbania grandiflora extract exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. For hair health, it appears to stimulate keratin production and improve iron metabolism, evidenced by increased serum ferritin levels, both of which are vital for robust hair follicle growth and overall scalp health. In the context of metabolic health, its antidiabetic action likely involves the inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, specifically alpha-amylase, which helps reduce post-meal glucose spikes. Additionally, animal studies suggest it may possess antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. The extract contains various bioactive compounds, including lignins, terpenes, triterpenes, and flavonoids, which contribute to its enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities.

Side effects

Based on current research, Sesbania grandiflora extract appears to be well-tolerated, particularly in short-term human studies. A randomized controlled trial involving human subjects reported no significant adverse effects during the 56-day study period. Similarly, animal studies did not indicate toxicity at the tested doses. However, the overall safety data for human consumption is limited, primarily to short-term observations. There are no specific drug interactions or contraindications extensively documented in the reviewed literature. Due to the limited human safety data, caution is advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking other medications, or pregnant/nursing women. Long-term safety and potential interactions with a wider range of medications are yet to be fully established, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

Dosage

Specific standardized dosing guidelines for Sesbania grandiflora extract are not yet firmly established due to limited human clinical data. For hair health, the effective dose used in a randomized controlled trial was a proprietary extract administered over 56 days, which resulted in significant improvements; however, the exact milligram dosage was not specified in the summary. In animal studies investigating antidiabetic effects, doses of 200–400 mg/kg orally for 28 days were found to be effective in rats. It is important to note that animal dosages do not directly translate to human dosages. As there is no established maximum safe dose or standardized human dosing, users should adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on specific supplement products. Given the limited data, starting with a lower dose and monitoring for effects is a prudent approach. There is no information available regarding optimal timing or different dosages for various purposes beyond the general observations from the studies.

FAQs

Is Sesbania grandiflora extract safe for long-term use?

Current short-term human trials suggest good tolerability, but long-term safety data for Sesbania grandiflora extract is not yet established. More research is needed to confirm its safety over extended periods.

How soon can benefits be expected from Sesbania grandiflora extract?

For hair health, improvements were noted within 8 weeks in a human clinical trial. In animal studies, antidiabetic effects were observed over a 4-week period.

Can Sesbania grandiflora extract replace standard diabetes medication?

No, the evidence for antidiabetic effects is primarily preclinical. It should not replace prescribed diabetes medications but may offer adjunctive benefits. Always consult your doctor.

Research Sources

https://www.ijclinicaltrials.com/index.php/ijct/article/download/782/424/4012 – This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 51 subjects over 56 days found that a proprietary Sesbania grandiflora extract significantly improved hair density by 25% and thickness by 17%, alongside a 27% increase in serum ferritin, indicating its efficacy for hair health and iron status.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27313954/ – This animal study investigated the antidiabetic effects of methanolic extract of Sesbania grandiflora (MESG) in type 2 diabetic rats. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally for 28 days significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced insulin sensitivity, suggesting potential for metabolic health.
https://japer.in/storage/models/article/LyOsj8K5giY6VB8dkZwvesvrSTdnkr6kgf9USEaamj4kyVQlUgPUKIduC604/anti-diabetic-activity-of-sesbania-grandiflora-alpha-amylase-inhibitory-effect.pdf – This in vitro study demonstrated that Sesbania grandiflora extract inhibited alpha-amylase activity by 81% at 1000 µg/ml, suggesting a mechanism for reducing carbohydrate digestion and postprandial glucose spikes, comparable to acarbose.