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Ornithogalum

Also known as: Star-of-Bethlehem, wild herbs, Ornithogalum balansae, Ornithogalum christiniae, Ornithogalum

Overview

Ornithogalum is a genus of wild herbaceous plants, commonly found in regions like the Mediterranean and Black Sea. While some species are traditionally consumed as food and used in folk medicine, current scientific interest primarily focuses on extracts from their aerial parts and bulbs for their potential antioxidant and anti-proliferative (anticancer) properties. These plants contain various phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to their biological activities. Research into Ornithogalum as a supplement is still in its early to moderate stages, predominantly involving preclinical and in vitro studies. There is a notable lack of clinical trials or systematic reviews specifically investigating its effects and safety in human supplementation. Consequently, while some peer-reviewed experimental studies exist, high-level evidence such as meta-analyses or large-scale randomized controlled trials on human supplementation is currently unavailable.

Benefits

Research on Ornithogalum has identified several potential benefits, primarily from in vitro studies. The most prominent is its significant antioxidant activity, demonstrated through assays like ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging, suggesting its ability to combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, Ornithogalum extracts have shown potent anti-proliferative effects against human lung cancer cell lines (A549, H209) with low IC50 values (around 1 µg/mL), indicating strong cytotoxicity in laboratory settings. These extracts also appear to inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion at low concentrations (~1.5 µg/mL), hinting at potential anti-metastatic properties. However, it is crucial to note that these benefits are currently limited to cell line models, and there is no clinical data available on human populations. Therefore, the clinical relevance and efficacy of these observed effects in humans remain unestablished.

How it works

The observed antioxidant effects of Ornithogalum are likely mediated by its rich content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which act by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress within cells. The anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells are thought to involve mechanisms such as the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) or the inhibition of cell cycle progression, although the specific molecular targets responsible for these actions are yet to be fully elucidated. The inhibition of cell migration and invasion suggests that Ornithogalum may interfere with signaling pathways crucial for metastasis. However, the absorption, bioavailability, and specific pharmacokinetic profiles of Ornithogalum compounds in humans are currently unknown, limiting a complete understanding of its in vivo mechanisms.

Side effects

Comprehensive safety data and clinical toxicity studies for Ornithogalum are currently lacking. While some species have been used traditionally, formal safety evaluations in the context of modern supplementation are absent. A notable concern is the presence of calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in some Ornithogalum species. If ingested raw, these crystals could potentially cause irritation, though their relevance to processed supplement forms is unclear. Due to the absence of human clinical trials, there are no reported side effects or drug interactions associated with Ornithogalum supplementation. Without established clinical safety data, caution is strongly advised. Individuals should refrain from using Ornithogalum as a supplement until rigorous clinical safety assessments have been conducted and its safety profile in humans is clearly established. There are no known contraindications or specific risk factors identified at this time due to the lack of human research.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines for Ornithogalum due to the complete absence of clinical trials or human studies. All current research is based on experimental in vitro studies, which utilize methanolic extracts at microgram per milliliter concentrations when applied to cell cultures. Consequently, there is no data available regarding the optimal oral bioavailability, effective dose range, or maximum safe dose for human consumption. Furthermore, specific recommendations concerning the form of supplementation (e.g., extract type, whole plant), timing of intake, or any potential cofactors that might influence its efficacy or safety are undefined. Without any human data, it is impossible to provide any reliable dosage recommendations for supplement use.

FAQs

Is Ornithogalum safe to consume as a supplement?

The safety of Ornithogalum as a supplement is not established. There are no clinical safety data available, and while traditional use exists, formal evaluation is lacking. Caution is warranted until rigorous human studies are conducted.

Does Ornithogalum improve cognitive function?

No direct evidence supports cognitive benefits from Ornithogalum. A systematic review on natural extracts for cognition did not specifically include Ornithogalum, and no research indicates such effects.

Are there clinical trials on Ornithogalum?

No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses on human supplementation with Ornithogalum have been found. All current research is limited to in vitro experimental studies.

What are the expected benefits of Ornithogalum?

Based on in vitro studies, Ornithogalum shows potential antioxidant and anticancer effects. However, the clinical relevance and efficacy of these benefits in humans are currently unknown and require further research.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11595880/ – This in vitro experimental study investigated methanolic extracts of Ornithogalum balansae. It found high phenolic content, strong antioxidant activity, and significant anti-proliferative effects on lung cancer cell lines (A549, H209) with low IC50 values, along with inhibition of cell migration and invasion. The study is methodologically sound for in vitro work but lacks in vivo or clinical data, limiting its direct human relevance.
https://www.psypost.org/study-identifies-top-performing-natural-extracts-for-improving-cognitive-function/ – This source refers to a systematic review and network meta-analysis on various natural extracts for cognitive function. While it highlights that some natural extracts can improve cognition, it did not include Ornithogalum specifically, thus providing no direct evidence for its cognitive benefits. The review is high-quality but not directly applicable to Ornithogalum.
https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/15/4/plad031/7190693 – This systematic review focuses on calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in plants, including Ornithogalum. It discusses their role in plant defense and potential irritant properties. While comprehensive for botanical understanding, its relevance to human supplement safety is indirect, as it primarily addresses plant biology rather than human ingestion effects.