Persimmon Leaf Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Persimmon leaf, Kaki folium, Persimmon leaf glycerite liquid extract, Diospyros kaki Thunb. (Persimmon leaf)
Overview
Persimmon leaf glycerite liquid extract is an alcohol-free, glycerin-based botanical extract derived from the dried sepals or leaves of the persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki), a plant traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine. This extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including various flavonoids (such as catechin, kaempferol, and quercetin), terpenoids, and volatile compounds. It is primarily investigated for its potential neuroprotective, antidepressant, and ocular health benefits, as well as its role in lipid metabolism. While research is still emerging, existing evidence includes promising preclinical studies and some human trials, notably a recent systematic review and meta-analysis highlighting its effects on dyslipidemia. The glycerite form aims to enhance stability and preserve bioactive compounds without the use of alcohol.
Benefits
Persimmon leaf extract (PLE) demonstrates several evidence-based benefits. It has shown significant antidepressant-like effects in animal models, where it alleviated depressive behaviors by suppressing serotonin reuptake and activating the cAMP/CREB/BDNF pathway, leading to behavioral improvements (p < 0.05). For ocular health, PLE has exhibited protective effects on human corneal endothelial cells and retinal ganglion cells in both in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting its potential in preventing conditions like glaucoma and retinal degeneration. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that PLE can improve lipid profiles, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supporting its use in managing dyslipidemia. Secondary benefits include its notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its rich flavonoid and terpenoid content.
How it works
Persimmon leaf extract (PLE) exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. Its antidepressant-like properties are linked to the modulation of neurotransmitter systems, specifically by inhibiting serotonin reuptake and enhancing neurotrophic signaling via the cAMP/CREB/BDNF pathways. For ocular health, the flavonoids present in PLE are believed to enhance Na+/K+-ATPase activity in corneal cells and provide direct protection to retinal neurons. The lipid-lowering effects of PLE are thought to be mediated by its influence on lipid metabolism pathways, although the precise molecular targets require further investigation. The glycerite formulation of the extract is designed to enhance the stability and preservation of these bioactive compounds, potentially improving their tolerability and absorption in the body without the presence of alcohol.
Side effects
Current research on persimmon leaf glycerite liquid extract, primarily from preclinical studies, has not reported significant adverse effects, indicating good tolerability in animal models. However, due to the limited number of human trials, common side effects are not well-documented, and a comprehensive safety profile for human use is still being established. There are no known major drug interactions or contraindications explicitly reported in the available literature. It is crucial to note that sufficient safety data are lacking for special populations, including pregnant or lactating individuals and children. Therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research and professional medical advice. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before incorporating this supplement, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for persimmon leaf glycerite liquid extract are not yet standardized for human use. The glycerite preparation described in some contexts typically uses a 1:3 dry herb to menstruum ratio, where 1 ml of the extract is equivalent to approximately 270-330 mg of dried persimmon leaf. However, clinical studies investigating its effects on conditions like dyslipidemia or depression have not provided explicit human dosing protocols. Therefore, a recommended daily intake or therapeutic range for humans cannot be definitively established at this time. Factors such as optimal timing of administration, absorption rates, and potential variations in efficacy based on the extract's form or concentration remain to be thoroughly investigated in clinical settings. Users should consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
FAQs
Is persimmon leaf glycerite extract safe?
Current preclinical evidence suggests good safety, but human safety data are limited. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Animal studies show behavioral effects after chronic administration. The timeline for observable benefits in humans is currently unknown and requires further research.
Does the glycerite form affect efficacy?
The glycerite extraction method preserves bioactive compounds without alcohol, which may be beneficial for sensitive individuals and potentially improve tolerability and absorption.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9172164/ – This animal study investigated the antidepressant-like effects of persimmon leaf extract (PLE) in mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress. It found that PLE significantly reduced depressive behaviors by modulating serotonin reuptake and activating the cAMP/CREB/BDNF pathway, suggesting its potential as a natural antidepressant.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9965245/ – This review summarizes the ocular protective effects of persimmon leaf extract (PLE) and its flavonoid components. It highlights in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrating PLE's ability to protect human corneal endothelial cells and retinal ganglion cells, suggesting its potential for preventing glaucoma and retinal degeneration.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1572678/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of persimmon leaf extract (PLE) on lipid profiles in dyslipidemic patients. The findings indicate that PLE can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supporting its potential role in managing dyslipidemia, although specific effect sizes were not fully detailed in the abstract.
- https://hawaiipharm.com/persimmon-nonalcext – This source describes the preparation of persimmon leaf glycerite liquid extract, noting it as an alcohol-free, glycerin-based extract. It specifies the typical dry herb to menstruum ratio (1:3) and the equivalent dried herb content per milliliter (270-330 mg), providing insight into the product's formulation.