Polyrachis Black Mountain Ant Extract
Also known as: Polyrhachis lamellidens, Black Mountain Ant Extract, Black Ant Extract, Polyrhachis vicina
Overview
Polyrhachis ant extracts, primarily from *Polyrhachis vicina* and *Polyrhachis lamellidens*, are derived from edible insects traditionally used in Chinese and Taiwanese folk medicine. Historically, they have been employed as general tonics and for conditions such as rheumatism, chronic hepatitis, sexual hypofunction, and anti-aging. The extract is typically obtained through methods like supercritical fluid extraction, yielding a complex mixture of bioactive compounds. These include oleic acid, various fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamin E. The supplement is marketed for immune support, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant capacity, and enhancing vitality or physical performance. While chemical characterization and animal studies support some of these claims, high-quality human clinical trials are currently scarce, limiting definitive conclusions on efficacy in humans.
Benefits
Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract offers several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and compositional research. Its most prominent benefit is **immune modulation**, with a 2018 animal study showing that *Polyrhachis vicina* extract enhanced macrophage and lymphocyte activity and increased antibody production, suggesting immunostimulatory effects. The extract also exhibits significant **antioxidant activity** due to high levels of superoxide dismutase (77,000 IU/100g) and vitamin E, which help combat oxidative stress and may aid recovery from exercise-induced cellular damage. Furthermore, it provides **nutritional support** with a high protein content (56.6g/100g), essential amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids. Traditional uses suggest benefits for rheumatism, sexual function, and anti-aging, but these claims lack robust clinical validation. The extract may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing compromised immune function or elevated oxidative stress. However, quantitative effect sizes and clinical significance in humans are not yet established due to the absence of human randomized controlled trials.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract is attributed to its diverse array of bioactive compounds. These include oleic acid, alkaloids, nucleotides, cyclopeptides, and triterpenoids, which are believed to modulate immune cell function and enhance antioxidant defenses. A key component is its high content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that efficiently neutralizes reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative damage at a cellular level. The immunomodulatory effects likely involve the activation of macrophages and lymphocytes, which are crucial components of both innate and adaptive immunity. This activation can lead to an enhanced immune response. While specific details on absorption and bioavailability are not fully characterized, the presence of fatty acid components suggests good lipid solubility, potentially aiding absorption.
Side effects
The safety profile of Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract in humans is limited, primarily relying on its long history of traditional use, which suggests a low toxicity. Currently, there are no commonly reported or serious adverse effects documented in the available scientific literature. Furthermore, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been identified or reported. However, it is crucial to note that specific safety studies in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, have not been conducted. Therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Due to the scarcity of human clinical trials, a comprehensive understanding of potential side effects, their severity, frequency, and any specific risk factors remains incomplete. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There are no established minimum effective or optimal dosages for Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract derived from human clinical trials. Dosing guidelines are largely absent due to the lack of robust human research. Traditional use and commercial supplement formulations vary widely, making it difficult to provide standardized recommendations. The concentration and bioavailability of active compounds can also differ significantly based on the extraction method used, with supercritical CO2 extraction being a common technique. Without clinical data, it is challenging to specify dosage ranges for different purposes, timing considerations, or upper safety limits. Consumers should be aware that product labels may suggest dosages, but these are not typically backed by rigorous scientific evidence. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially given the limited safety and efficacy data.
FAQs
Is Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract safe for human consumption?
Traditional use suggests low toxicity, and no serious adverse effects have been reported. However, human clinical trials are scarce, so comprehensive safety data is limited.
Can this extract improve physical strength or performance?
Direct evidence for strength enhancement in humans is lacking. Its antioxidant and nutritional support may indirectly aid performance and recovery, but more research is needed.
How long does it take to experience the effects of the extract?
Animal studies suggest immune effects can manifest within weeks. However, human timelines are unknown due to the absence of clinical trials.
Does Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract act as a stimulant?
No evidence suggests it has stimulant properties. Its observed effects appear to be primarily immunomodulatory and nutritional, rather than stimulating.
Research Sources
- https://www.jfda-online.com/journal/vol9/iss2/7/ – This study by Cheng et al. (2001) focused on the chemical analysis of Polyrhachis vicina extract. It identified 39 compounds, including oleic acid, and investigated how extraction pressure influenced yield. This research provides foundational chemical profiling but lacks biological or clinical data.
- https://www.jfda-online.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2801&context=journal – This is likely a direct link to the full text of the Cheng et al. (2001) study, providing detailed chemical characterization of Polyrhachis vicina extract. It outlines the compounds identified and the impact of extraction parameters, contributing to understanding the extract's composition.
- https://www.tonictinctures.com/blogs/materia-tonica/black-polyrhachis-ant-comprehensive-guide-to-benefits-uses-dosages-and-science – This blog post from Tonic Tinctures provides a comprehensive overview of Polyrhachis ant, summarizing its traditional uses, potential benefits, and scientific findings. It serves as a secondary source that compiles information from various studies, highlighting its antioxidant and immune-supporting properties.
- https://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/SONG/10462629.pdf – This nutritional composition study by Shen et al. (2006) quantified key nutritional components in Polyrhachis vicina, including protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamin E. It provides strong evidence for the extract's nutritional value and antioxidant potential, though it does not include clinical outcomes.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/bucked-up-black-ant – This PricePlow review summarizes various aspects of Polyrhachis Black Mountain Ant Extract, including its traditional uses, antioxidant capacity, and potential for immune support. It acts as a secondary source, compiling information from multiple studies to provide a general overview for consumers.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9021923/ – This article, likely a review or research paper, discusses aspects of edible insects. While not exclusively about Polyrhachis, it contributes to the broader understanding of insect-derived supplements and their potential health benefits, often touching upon nutritional and bioactive compounds.
- https://mostwiedzy.pl/pl/publication/download/1/edible-black-ant-smith-carebara-vidua-as-human-food-a-systematic-review_90526.pdf – This systematic review focuses on *Carebara vidua* (another edible black ant species) as human food. While not directly about Polyrhachis, it provides context on the nutritional and health aspects of edible ants, which can be extrapolated to understand the potential of Polyrhachis in a broader sense.
- https://www.clarkpest.com/residential-service-blog-old/medicinal-ant-extract – This blog post from Clark Pest discusses medicinal ant extracts, likely providing general information on their traditional uses and perceived benefits. It serves as a general informational source rather than a primary research paper, offering context on the historical use of ants in medicine.
- https://patents.google.com/patent/CN106511393A/en – This patent describes a method for preparing an extract from Polyrhachis vicina and its applications, potentially for health benefits. Patents often detail extraction processes and claimed uses, providing insight into industrial applications and potential bioactive compounds, though not necessarily clinical efficacy data.