Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Phlomis Umbrosa Standardized Extract

Also known as: Phlomis umbrosa Turcz., Phlomis umbrosa extract, Phlomis umbrosa

Overview

Phlomis umbrosa is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine. A standardized extract of this plant is primarily investigated for its potential effects on bone growth, muscle atrophy, and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. The extract is typically derived from the root and standardized to contain specific bioactive iridoid glycosides, such as shanzhiside methyl ester, which serves as a key marker compound (e.g., 6.62 mg/g). Current research on Phlomis umbrosa extract is predominantly at the preclinical stage, with a significant number of animal studies and a limited number of early-stage human trials. As of now, there are no high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on Phlomis umbrosa extract, indicating that the research is still in its nascent stages. The promising findings from animal models suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly in areas related to musculoskeletal health.

Benefits

Research on Phlomis umbrosa extract has identified several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings: - **Bone Growth:** In studies involving adolescent female rats, oral administration of Phlomis umbrosa extract (100-300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the longitudinal bone growth rate by approximately 6-7% compared to control groups. This effect, observed at 380-381 µm/day versus 358 µm/day in controls, approached the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) which showed 407 µm/day. This suggests a strong potential for promoting bone development. - **Muscle Atrophy:** Preclinical studies using a mouse model of dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy indicated that Phlomis umbrosa water extract helped to attenuate muscle wasting. This points to a potential role in combating muscle loss conditions. - **Osteoarthritis:** While preliminary, a study combining Phlomis umbrosa with other herbal extracts demonstrated anti-osteoarthritis effects. However, it is important to note that these findings are not isolated to Phlomis umbrosa alone, and further research is needed to confirm its individual contribution. It is crucial to emphasize that these benefits are largely derived from animal studies, and there are currently no human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting strict criteria (e.g., n≥30 per group, proper controls, statistical significance) to confirm these effects in humans.

How it works

Phlomis umbrosa extract is believed to exert its effects through several mechanisms. Its primary action in promoting bone growth appears to involve stimulating chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy within the growth plate. This process is potentially mediated by an increase in circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), both crucial for bone development. The extract's potential benefits in muscle and joint health may stem from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. These effects could be achieved through the modulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels and various inflammatory cytokines. The main active constituents, particularly iridoid glycosides like shanzhiside methyl ester, are thought to be responsible for influencing these signaling pathways related to growth, inflammation, and cellular proliferation.

Side effects

Currently, the safety profile of Phlomis umbrosa extract in humans is largely unknown due to a significant lack of clinical data. Animal studies, specifically those conducted in rats, have reported no significant adverse effects when the extract was administered at tested doses up to 300 mg/kg. However, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human safety. There are no documented reports of common or rare side effects from human clinical trials, primarily because such trials are very limited or have not been conducted to a sufficient scale. Consequently, there is also no established information regarding potential drug interactions or contraindications for Phlomis umbrosa extract. Given the early stage of research, individuals should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, or those taking other medications should avoid its use until more comprehensive human safety data become available. Any use should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Dosage

Due to the limited scope of human clinical trials, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Phlomis umbrosa extract. The effective doses observed in animal models, specifically in rats, range from 100-300 mg/kg administered orally. It is important to note that these animal doses cannot be directly translated to human equivalents without further research. In preclinical studies, the extract is typically standardized to a specific concentration of shanzhiside methyl ester, often around 6.6 mg/g, which serves as a quality control measure for the research material. Without human efficacy and safety data, any self-administration is not recommended. Future research is needed to determine appropriate and safe dosage ranges, timing considerations, and potential variations for different therapeutic purposes in humans, as well as to establish upper limits and safety thresholds.

FAQs

Is Phlomis umbrosa effective for bone growth in humans?

Currently, there is no direct clinical evidence to confirm its effectiveness for bone growth in humans. Benefits have only been observed in animal models, and human trials are needed.

Is Phlomis umbrosa safe for human consumption?

Animal studies suggest safety at tested doses, but human safety data are very limited. There is insufficient information to confirm its safety for human consumption.

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

In rat studies, bone growth effects were observed relatively quickly, within 72 hours of administration. However, this timeframe may differ significantly in humans.

Can Phlomis umbrosa be used for muscle atrophy or osteoarthritis?

Preclinical data show promise for muscle atrophy and osteoarthritis, but these findings are insufficient for clinical recommendations. More research is required.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6273700/ – This study investigated the effects of Phlomis umbrosa extract on longitudinal bone growth in adolescent female rats. It found that oral administration significantly increased bone growth rate, comparable to recombinant human growth hormone, by stimulating chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy in the growth plate.
https://liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2025.k.0050?doi=10.1089%2Fjmf.2025.k.0050 – This preclinical mouse study explored the effects of Phlomis umbrosa water extract on dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. The findings indicated that the extract attenuated muscle wasting, suggesting potential anti-atrophy effects, though specific details on methodology and results are limited in the provided context.
https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201609636667827.pdf – This experimental study examined a combined herbal extract, including Phlomis umbrosa, for its anti-osteoarthritis effects. While the combination showed promise, the study's preliminary nature and the use of a multi-ingredient extract mean that the specific contribution and efficacy of Phlomis umbrosa alone are not clearly isolated or established.