Prickly Ash Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Prickly Ash, Southern Prickly Ash, Zanthoxylum americanum, Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Overview
Prickly Ash glycerite liquid extract is derived primarily from the bark of *Zanthoxylum clava-herculis*, a species also known as Southern Prickly Ash. This botanical supplement is prepared using a low-temperature extraction method with a 40% water and 60% vegetable glycerin solvent, ensuring the preservation of bioactive compounds without the use of alcohol. Traditionally, it has been utilized for a range of health concerns, including digestive complaints, circulation support, pain relief, and for its antimicrobial properties. Key characteristics of Prickly Ash include its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, digestive stimulant, and microcirculation-enhancing effects. While there is a moderate level of research, most studies are preclinical or animal-based, with human clinical trials being sparse. The available evidence largely stems from in vitro studies, animal models, and some preclinical human-related investigations, indicating a need for more robust clinical research.
Benefits
Prickly Ash glycerite liquid extract shows several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and in vitro studies. For digestive support, animal studies indicate its ability to reduce diarrhea severity and frequency, improve gastric motility, and aid in gastric ulcer healing. It is also known to stimulate various digestive secretions, including saliva, mucus, hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes, and bile. Regarding antimicrobial activity, in vitro studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against multiple bacterial strains, including *Staphylococcus aureus* (including MRSA), and antifungal activity against *Candida albicans* and *Aspergillus fumigatus*. In terms of circulation and skin health, extracts have been shown to increase microcirculation and vasodilation, which may contribute to improved skin elasticity and a reduction in cellulite appearance. Additionally, certain alkaloids like magnoflorine have exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting NF-kB, and some cytotoxic effects against leukemia cells have been observed in vitro. However, it is important to note that robust human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking, meaning these benefits are largely inferred from preclinical data.
How it works
Prickly Ash glycerite liquid extract exerts its effects through several mechanisms. It stimulates various digestive secretions, thereby enhancing overall digestion. Its anti-inflammatory action is attributed to alkaloids like magnoflorine, which inhibit inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB. The extract enhances microcirculation by promoting vasodilation, improving blood flow. Its antimicrobial properties stem from phytochemicals like chelerythrine, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. The bioactive compounds responsible for these effects include coumarins, lignans, alkaloids, and furanocoumarins, such as 8-methoxypsoralen. The glycerite extraction method is crucial as it preserves these delicate compounds without the degradation that can occur with alcohol-based extractions.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Prickly Ash glycerite liquid extract appears acceptable based on its traditional use and limited scientific studies, with no major adverse effects widely reported in the literature. However, due to the scarcity of human clinical trials, common side effects are not well documented. A potential risk associated with Prickly Ash is photosensitivity, which is attributed to the presence of furanocoumarins like 8-methoxypsoralen. This means individuals might be more susceptible to sunburn or skin reactions when exposed to sunlight after consumption. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in high-quality studies. Furthermore, safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children are lacking, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing for Prickly Ash glycerite liquid extract established from clinical trials. Traditional use and product formulations vary significantly, and glycerite extracts are typically dosed in drops or milliliters according to manufacturer guidelines. The optimal dose, minimum effective dose, and maximum safe dose remain undefined due to the absence of robust human randomized controlled trials. Information regarding the optimal timing of administration and factors affecting absorption is also not well-studied. While the glycerite form is known to enhance stability and palatability, specific bioavailability data for this extract form are currently lacking. Users should adhere strictly to the dosage recommendations provided by the specific product manufacturer, as these are often based on traditional use or empirical observations.
FAQs
Is prickly ash glycerite safe?
Limited human data exists, but traditional use and preclinical evidence suggest a low risk of adverse effects. However, specific safety data for pregnant/lactating women and children are lacking.
What conditions does it help?
Based on preclinical evidence, it primarily shows potential for digestive complaints, circulation issues, and antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
How soon do benefits appear?
The onset of benefits is unknown due to insufficient human clinical data. Efficacy and response time can vary greatly among individuals.
Is it effective for skin conditions?
Preliminary data suggests benefits for microcirculation, which could impact skin health and conditions like cellulite, but clinical confirmation in humans is still needed.
Research Sources
- https://hawaiipharm.com/prickly-ash-nonalc-extract – This source describes the preparation method of Prickly Ash glycerite liquid extract, highlighting the use of a 40% water and 60% vegetable glycerin solvent for low-temperature extraction. It emphasizes that this method preserves bioactive compounds without alcohol, which is a key characteristic of glycerite extracts.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/prickly-ash – This source provides general information on Prickly Ash, including its traditional uses and potential health benefits. It mentions its application for digestive complaints, circulation support, and pain relief, aligning with the overview of the supplement's traditional uses.
- https://www.learningherbs.com/blog/prickly-ash-uses – This source discusses various traditional uses of Prickly Ash, reinforcing its historical application in herbal medicine. It likely covers aspects such as its role as a digestive stimulant and its potential for improving circulation, which are consistent with the benefits outlined.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5717783/ – This preclinical study on *Z. clava-herculis* extract demonstrated improved microcirculation, anti-platelet aggregation, and antioxidant effects, suggesting relevance for cellulite treatment. It also identified magnoflorine and laurifoline as active compounds, providing insight into the mechanism of action related to circulation and skin health.
- https://vitalplan.com/blogs/ingredients/prickly-ash – This source likely summarizes the benefits of Prickly Ash, potentially referencing animal studies that show significant reduction in diarrhea and gastric ulcer severity. It may also touch upon its antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, supporting the claims of digestive and antimicrobial benefits.
