Partridge Berry Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Partridge Berry, Squaw Vine, Deerberry, Mitchella repens
Overview
Mitchella repens, commonly known as Partridge Berry, is a low-growing, evergreen plant native to North America. The aerial parts extract, typically prepared from its leaves and stems as aqueous extracts or tinctures, has a long history of traditional use, particularly in midwifery. It has been employed to support uterine health, facilitate labor, and address various urinary and digestive complaints. While its traditional applications are well-documented, scientific research on M. repens is still in its early stages. Current evidence primarily consists of in vitro and ex vivo studies investigating its effects on uterine contractility. There is a notable absence of high-quality human clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses specifically evaluating the efficacy and safety of M. repens extract in humans. Therefore, while traditional use suggests potential benefits, robust scientific validation is largely pending.
Benefits
The primary evidence-based benefit of Partridge Berry aerial parts extract, albeit from non-human studies, is its ability to stimulate uterine contractility. In vitro and ex vivo studies have demonstrated that aqueous extracts of *M. repens* significantly increase uterine smooth muscle contractions compared to spontaneous motility (p < 0.0001). This finding supports its traditional use as a labor aid and uterine tonic. Traditionally, it has also been used for other gynecological purposes such as managing heavy menstruation, preventing miscarriage, alleviating dysmenorrhea, and promoting post-childbirth uterine toning. Additionally, anecdotal reports and herbalist practices suggest benefits for urinary tract issues like urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, attributed to its purported diuretic and astringent properties. However, it is crucial to note that these traditional and anecdotal claims lack rigorous clinical validation through human trials. No randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses have confirmed the clinical efficacy of Partridge Berry for any of these conditions in humans.
How it works
Partridge Berry aerial parts extract appears to exert its effects primarily through direct stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction. This oxytocic effect has been observed in isolated tissue bath experiments, where the extract significantly increased the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions. While the exact active constituents responsible for this action remain unidentified, the aqueous extract contains multiple phytochemicals. The mechanism likely involves interaction with smooth muscle contractile pathways, possibly influencing calcium signaling or oxytocin receptor pathways, although this is currently speculative. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of the extract and its active compounds in humans have not been studied, meaning its bioavailability and precise molecular targets in vivo are not yet understood.
Side effects
Due to a lack of controlled human safety data, the safety profile of Partridge Berry aerial parts extract is largely based on traditional use. While traditionally considered moderately safe when used appropriately, there are potential risks. The primary concern is its uterotonic property, which could lead to excessive uterine stimulation, potentially causing cramps or, if misused, miscarriage. Therefore, it is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy unless under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. There are no documented common or rare adverse effects from clinical trials, as such trials are absent. Similarly, no specific drug interactions have been documented in the scientific literature. Special caution is advised for pregnant individuals and those with pre-existing uterine abnormalities due to the extract's potential to stimulate uterine contractions. Comprehensive safety data from human clinical trials are urgently needed to fully assess its risk profile.
Dosage
There are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Partridge Berry aerial parts extract due to the absence of human clinical trials. Research on its effects has primarily been conducted in vitro or ex vivo. For instance, in vitro studies used aqueous extracts prepared from 3.6 grams of dried herb per 100 mL of water, with effective concentrations in tissue baths ranging from 0.045 to 1.44 mg/mL. Traditional herbalists typically use tinctures or infusions, but these traditional doses are not standardized and vary widely. The optimal dose, frequency of administration, and most effective formulation for human use remain undetermined and require further rigorous clinical research. Without clinical data, specific recommendations for dosage, timing, or upper safety limits cannot be provided.
FAQs
Is Partridge Berry safe during pregnancy?
Partridge Berry has traditional use to support labor, but due to its uterotonic effects, it should only be used during pregnancy under strict professional guidance to avoid potential risks like excessive uterine stimulation or miscarriage.
Does Partridge Berry induce labor?
In vitro studies show Partridge Berry extract can stimulate uterine contractions. However, there are no human clinical trials confirming its efficacy or safety for labor induction in humans, so it should not be used for this purpose without medical supervision.
What are the expected results from taking Partridge Berry?
Based on laboratory studies, potential effects include uterine toning and mild contractile stimulation. However, clinical benefits in humans are unproven, and individual responses may vary.
Can Partridge Berry treat urinary infections?
Traditional use suggests a possible benefit for urinary infections, but there is currently no rigorous clinical evidence from human trials to support this claim. Consult a healthcare professional for urinary tract infections.
Research Sources
- https://www.plantsjournal.com/archives/2021/vol9issue3/PartB/9-2-40-314.pdf – This ex vivo organ bath study investigated the effects of Mitchella repens aqueous extract on uterine tissue. The findings demonstrated that the extract induced statistically significant uterine contractions (p<0.0001) that were stronger than spontaneous motility, providing mechanistic insight into its traditional use as a uterine tonic. The study was limited by its in vitro nature and small sample size.
- https://spark.bethel.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=biology-faculty – This research, likely an ex vivo uterine contractility assay, showed that Partridge Berry extract consistently induced uterine contractions in mouse uterine strips, comparable to the effects of oxytocin. This provides further mechanistic evidence supporting the uterotonic properties of the extract, although it is based on animal tissue and not human clinical trials.
- https://chestnutherbs.com/partridgeberry-materia-medica/ – This source provides a materia medica entry for Partridge Berry, detailing its traditional uses, common names, and historical applications in herbal medicine. It highlights anecdotal and herbalist reports regarding its benefits for gynecological and urinary tract issues, emphasizing the lack of rigorous clinical evidence for these traditional claims.