Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Phytolacca

Also known as: Phytolacca dodecandra L’Hér., Phytolacca acinosa Roxb., Endod, Indian pokeweed, pokeweed, Phytolacca dodecandra

Overview

Phytolacca refers to a genus of plants, with *Phytolacca dodecandra* and *Phytolacca acinosa* being two prominent species. These plants are traditionally used in African and Asian ethnomedicine for a variety of conditions, including infections, liver protection, and as molluscicides. Key characteristics of *Phytolacca* species include a rich phytochemical content, notably saponins, triterpenoid glycosides, and phenolic compounds, which are believed to be responsible for their biological activities. Research into *Phytolacca* is ongoing, with numerous in vitro and animal studies exploring its potential hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and anticancer properties. However, high-quality human clinical trials are largely absent, meaning that while traditional uses and preclinical data suggest potential benefits, clinical efficacy and safety in humans are not yet well-established.

Benefits

Research indicates several potential benefits for *Phytolacca* species, primarily from preclinical studies. Hepatoprotective effects have been observed, with methanol root extract of *P. dodecandra* showing significant dose-dependent protection against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rats. This protection involved normalizing liver enzymes, bilirubin, and lipid profiles, suggesting a role in mitigating liver damage. The evidence for this is from a controlled animal study, indicating moderate quality but lacking human relevance. Antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties are also noted, with extracts demonstrating antibacterial activity against common pathogens like *E. coli*, *S. aureus*, *P. aeruginosa*, and *Salmonella* spp., as well as antifungal effects against *Candida albicans*. This is supported by a scoping review of preclinical studies. Furthermore, certain isolated metabolites from *P. acinosa* roots have shown moderate cytotoxicity against human leukemia (HL-60), hepatic carcinoma (BEL-7402), and liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines in vitro, suggesting potential anticancer applications. However, this evidence is limited to in vitro studies and does not translate to clinical efficacy in humans. Population-specific benefits have not been established in clinical settings, and while effect sizes in animal models were statistically significant, human relevance remains unconfirmed.

How it works

The mechanisms of action for *Phytolacca* species are thought to be multifaceted, primarily due to their diverse phytochemical composition. The hepatoprotective effects are likely mediated by antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties, which help to reduce the leakage of liver enzymes and prevent lipid peroxidation in damaged liver cells. Antimicrobial activity is attributed to compounds such as saponins and phenolic compounds, which are believed to disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to their inactivation or death. The observed cytotoxicity in cancer cells is linked to triterpenoid saponins and glycosides, which may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) or inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. However, detailed information on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and overall bioavailability of *Phytolacca* compounds in humans is not well characterized, as most studies have focused on crude extracts or isolated compounds in in vitro or animal models.

Side effects

The overall safety profile of *Phytolacca* in humans is not well documented, and caution is advised due to insufficient data. While acute oral toxicity tests in mice showed tolerability at tested doses, animal studies have indicated potential toxicity, particularly to aquatic organisms, and at high doses. There is a significant lack of detailed information regarding common or rare side effects in humans. Furthermore, potential drug interactions and contraindications for *Phytolacca* species remain largely unexplored. Safety data for special populations, such as pregnant individuals, children, or patients with pre-existing liver disease, are completely absent. Given the traditional use and preclinical findings, it is crucial to emphasize that without comprehensive human clinical trials, the full spectrum of adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications cannot be accurately determined. Therefore, *Phytolacca* should be approached with significant caution, and its use should be avoided in vulnerable populations or without expert medical guidance.

Dosage

There are currently no established human dosing guidelines for *Phytolacca* species. The available research primarily consists of animal studies, which used doses such as 100–400 mg/kg of methanol root extract for hepatoprotection in rats. However, these animal dosages cannot be directly extrapolated to humans due to significant physiological differences. The optimal and maximum safe doses for human consumption are unknown, and there is no information regarding appropriate timing for administration in humans. In animal models, hepatoprotective effects were observed with acute administration around the time of toxin exposure. Without human clinical trials, it is impossible to recommend specific dosages for any purpose, nor are there established upper limits or safety thresholds. Any use of *Phytolacca* should be considered experimental and undertaken with extreme caution, given the lack of safety and efficacy data in humans.

FAQs

Is *Phytolacca* safe for human use?

Safety data for human use are insufficient, and caution is strongly advised. Most research is preclinical, and comprehensive human safety trials are lacking.

Does it have proven anticancer effects?

Only moderate in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines has been observed. There is no clinical evidence to support anticancer effects in humans.

How quickly does it act for liver protection?

In animal models, hepatoprotective effects were observed within days following acute liver injury. Human data on onset of action are unavailable.

Can it replace conventional medical treatments?

No, there are no clinical trials supporting the use of *Phytolacca* as a replacement for conventional medical treatments for any condition.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects in humans are not well documented due to a lack of clinical research. Animal studies suggest potential toxicity at high doses.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11273601/ – This controlled animal study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of *Phytolacca dodecandra* methanol root extract against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in rats. The findings indicated a dose-dependent reversal of liver injury markers and improved histopathology, suggesting potential for liver protection. However, the study was conducted on animals, and human relevance is yet to be confirmed.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1480034/full – This research explored the in vitro cytotoxicity of isolated metabolites from *Phytolacca acinosa* roots against human cancer cell lines (HL-60, BEL-7402, HepG2). The study found that these metabolites exhibited moderate cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 25 to 188 µM. This suggests potential anticancer properties, but further in vivo and clinical studies are needed.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7388083/ – This scoping review analyzed 48 preclinical articles on *Phytolacca* species, validating traditional uses for antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and molluscicidal activities. The review also noted potential toxicity to aquatic life. It highlighted the lack of clinical trials and the heterogeneous nature of existing data, emphasizing the need for more rigorous human studies.