Pseudostellaria
Also known as: Tai Zi Shen, Prince Ginseng, False Starwort, Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Overview
Pseudostellaria heterophylla, commonly known as Tai Zi Shen or Prince Ginseng, is a perennial herb belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for over a century as a tonic to enhance immune function and address fatigue and respiratory conditions. The medicinal value of P. heterophylla lies in its tuberous roots, which are rich in bioactive compounds such as cyclic peptides (pseudostellarins), polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides. This herb is primarily recognized for its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties, contributing to immune enhancement, gastrointestinal protection, and as a supportive agent during chemotherapy to mitigate immunosuppression. While research has characterized its chemical constituents and demonstrated its pharmacological effects in preclinical and some clinical settings, comprehensive systematic reviews focusing solely on P. heterophylla are still emerging.
Benefits
Pseudostellaria heterophylla offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered on immune modulation and protective effects. A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (n=610) involving herbal medicines, including *Pseudostellaria*, showed a significant improvement in immune markers such as CD3+ T-cell levels in non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The mean difference was 10.60 (95% CI 7.22 to 13.98, p<0.001), indicating its potential to counteract chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Preclinical studies further support its role in protecting against chemotherapy-induced injury, with *P. heterophylla* polysaccharides demonstrating an ability to inhibit cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal damage and enhance immune function in mice. Additionally, supplementation has been shown to improve intestinal microecology and immune parameters in animal models. The strength of evidence for immune enhancement is moderate, primarily from studies where it is part of a herbal mixture, while preclinical data strongly supports its protective effects.
How it works
The immunomodulatory effects of Pseudostellaria heterophylla are primarily attributed to its polysaccharides and cyclic peptides. These compounds stimulate T-cell proliferation and modulate cytokine production, thereby enhancing immune responses. Specifically, polysaccharides are known to improve intestinal mucosal immunity and help restore gut microecology, which can be disrupted by treatments like chemotherapy. Cyclic peptides, such as pseudostellarins A-C, also exhibit tyrosinase inhibitory activity, suggesting potential antioxidant effects. The herb's mechanism involves the modulation of key immune cell markers, such as CD3+ T cells, and influencing the secretion of various cytokines. While the exact bioavailability and pharmacokinetics are not fully characterized, it is believed that oral absorption of these bioactive compounds contributes to both systemic and local gut immune modulation.
Side effects
Pseudostellaria heterophylla generally appears to have a favorable safety profile. No significant adverse effects have been reported in the clinical trials or animal studies conducted at therapeutic doses. The absence of well-documented common side effects suggests good tolerability. Currently, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications reported in the reviewed literature. However, it is important to note that the safety of *P. heterophylla* during pregnancy, lactation, or in other specific populations (e.g., individuals with pre-existing medical conditions) has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups until more research is available. Users should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for isolated Pseudostellaria heterophylla are not standardized, as clinical trials often utilize it as part of broader herbal mixtures. In traditional Chinese medicine, the typical dosage for dried tuberous roots ranges from 9 to 30 grams per day, usually prepared as a decoction. However, these traditional doses require further clinical validation to establish their precise efficacy for immune effects. There are no established maximum safe doses or specific timing recommendations derived from randomized controlled trials. Due to the lack of standardized clinical dosing, individuals interested in using *P. heterophylla* should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or an experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to determine an appropriate and safe dosage, especially given the variability in product formulations and concentrations.
FAQs
Is Pseudostellaria effective alone or only in combination?
While most clinical evidence comes from herbal combinations, animal studies suggest Pseudostellaria can offer standalone immune benefits. More research is needed to fully understand its isolated efficacy.
How soon do effects appear?
Improvements in immune markers have been observed within weeks in clinical trials. However, the exact time course can vary depending on the individual, dosage, and specific health condition.
Is it safe during chemotherapy?
Preliminary evidence suggests it may help protect against chemotherapy-induced immune suppression without reported adverse effects. Always consult your oncologist before combining with chemotherapy.
Are there any known drug interactions?
Currently, no specific drug interactions have been reported in the scientific literature. However, caution is always advised, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
What are the main active compounds?
The primary active compounds are polysaccharides and cyclic peptides (pseudostellarins), which are responsible for its immunomodulatory and protective effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11483700/ – This meta-analysis, published in 2024, included 5 RCTs (n=610) evaluating herbal medicines, including Pseudostellaria, combined with chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. It found statistically significant increases in CD3+ T-cell levels, suggesting immune enhancement. The study noted limitations due to the heterogeneity of herbal formulas and the lack of Pseudostellaria-only arms.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6533724/ – This 2019 review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical constituents of Pseudostellaria heterophylla, focusing on cyclic peptides and polysaccharides. It identifies these bioactive compounds as having potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, offering a strong pharmacological rationale for the herb's traditional uses, though it does not include clinical data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1417526/full – This animal study, published in 2023, demonstrated that Pseudostellaria heterophylla polysaccharides can reduce cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal injury and improve immune function in mice. The research utilized a controlled design with immune and histological endpoints, providing good preclinical evidence for the herb's protective and immune-boosting benefits.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1413047/pdf – This research, published in 2024, utilized transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to investigate how abscisic acid (ABA) regulates tuberous root development in Pseudostellaria heterophylla. The findings are relevant for understanding factors that influence the yield and medicinal quality of the herb, though it does not directly address human health benefits.
- https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.13453 – This source, published in 2023, is an animal study that demonstrated Pseudostellaria heterophylla polysaccharides reduce cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal injury and improve immune function in mice. It provides good preclinical evidence supporting the immune benefits of the herb.
Supplements Containing Pseudostellaria
Fertile Garden
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Heavenly Water
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Ginseng Booster
Botanic Choice
Tai Zi Shen Alcohol Free
Hawaii Pharm
Tai Zi Shen
Hawaii Pharm
Young Lungs
Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs
Fertile Garden
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Heavenly Water
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