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Phlomis Umbrosa

Also known as: Phlomis umbrosa Turcz., Phlomis umbrosa

Overview

Phlomis umbrosa is a perennial herb traditionally utilized in East Asian herbal medicine, primarily in Korean and Chinese practices. The root extract is the most commonly used part for its medicinal properties. It is frequently incorporated into traditional formulations aimed at addressing musculoskeletal health issues and inflammatory conditions. Emerging research, predominantly preclinical, suggests potential anti-inflammatory, anti-atrophic, and immunomodulatory effects. However, the current evidence base is limited, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews specifically evaluating its efficacy and safety as a standalone supplement. While traditional use points to its benefits, scientific validation in human clinical settings is still in its early stages, necessitating further rigorous investigation to confirm its therapeutic potential and establish comprehensive safety profiles.

Benefits

Phlomis umbrosa shows promising, albeit preliminary, benefits primarily derived from preclinical studies. A significant finding is its potential to attenuate muscle atrophy. An animal study demonstrated that Phlomis umbrosa water extract (PUW) significantly reduced dexamethasone-induced muscle wasting in mice, suggesting a protective effect against glucocorticoid-associated muscle loss. This evidence, while compelling, is limited to animal models and requires human validation. Additionally, Phlomis umbrosa is a component in traditional herbal formulas used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis is underway to evaluate its efficacy in RA, indicating scientific interest, but conclusive human data are not yet available. Furthermore, extracts of Phlomis umbrosa have been investigated for their ability to inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway, which is relevant in various diseases including cancer and fibrosis, hinting at broader therapeutic potential. However, most current evidence is preclinical or part of multi-herb formulations, and there are no large-scale human RCTs or meta-analyses conclusively demonstrating clinical benefits of Phlomis umbrosa as a monotherapy.

How it works

The precise mechanisms of action for Phlomis umbrosa are still being elucidated, but preclinical studies offer some insights. Its anti-atrophic effects appear to stem from its ability to modulate pathways involved in muscle protein degradation, particularly those induced by dexamethasone. This may involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, Phlomis umbrosa extract has been shown to inhibit Wnt pathway activity, a signaling cascade crucial for cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. This Wnt inhibition could underlie some of its observed effects on cellular processes. Traditional use and preliminary studies also suggest immunomodulatory properties, though the specific molecular targets and pathways involved in its immune system interactions require further investigation. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in humans are not yet well characterized.

Side effects

Comprehensive safety data for Phlomis umbrosa from human clinical trials are currently unavailable. While preclinical studies have not reported significant toxicity at the doses used in animal models, and traditional use suggests a favorable safety profile, a formal and rigorous evaluation of potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications in humans is lacking. Therefore, caution is strongly advised when considering its use until more robust safety data become available. Without sufficient clinical research, specific adverse effects, their severity, and frequency cannot be definitively stated. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking prescription medications, or pregnant/nursing women should exercise extreme caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Phlomis umbrosa, as potential interactions or contraindications are not yet known.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines for Phlomis umbrosa based on human clinical trials. The dosages used in preclinical animal studies typically involve aqueous extracts, often standardized to certain phytochemical markers, but these are not directly translatable to human use. In traditional herbal medicine, Phlomis umbrosa is often part of multi-ingredient formulations, and the concentration of Phlomis umbrosa within these varies widely. Therefore, specific recommendations for dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be provided. Furthermore, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined. Until rigorous human clinical research is conducted to establish safe and effective dosing parameters, any use of Phlomis umbrosa should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is Phlomis umbrosa effective for muscle atrophy in humans?

Currently, evidence for muscle atrophy benefits is limited to animal models; human efficacy has not yet been proven through clinical trials.

Can Phlomis umbrosa be used for rheumatoid arthritis?

It is used in traditional formulations for RA, but high-quality clinical evidence as a standalone treatment is pending systematic review and further research.

Is Phlomis umbrosa safe for consumption?

Traditional use suggests safety, but formal clinical safety data from human trials are insufficient to make definitive statements about its safety profile.

How long does it take to see effects from Phlomis umbrosa?

Due to the lack of human clinical trials, the onset of effects and the duration required for observable benefits are currently unknown.

Research Sources

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2025.k.0050 – This controlled animal study investigated the effects of Phlomis umbrosa water extract (PUW) on dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in mice. The findings indicated that PUW significantly attenuated muscle wasting, suggesting a protective role against glucocorticoid-induced muscle degradation. This research provides preclinical evidence for the anti-atrophic potential of Phlomis umbrosa.
https://www.integrmed.org/journal/view.php?number=24 – This source describes a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on herbal formulations, including Phlomis umbrosa, for rheumatoid arthritis. While it does not present completed data, it highlights ongoing scientific interest in evaluating the efficacy of Phlomis umbrosa within traditional multi-herb treatments for RA, indicating a need for more conclusive human evidence.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/23/16608 – This research, which includes review and experimental studies, indicates that Phlomis umbrosa extract can inhibit Wnt signaling. The Wnt pathway is implicated in various biological processes, including inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting broader therapeutic applications for Phlomis umbrosa beyond musculoskeletal health. However, the findings are primarily based on in vitro and animal data, requiring clinical confirmation.