Pterocarpus Marsupium Wood Extract WS
Also known as: Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Indian Kino Tree, Malabar Kino, Vijayasar, Pterostilbene-rich Pterocarpus marsupium extract, Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract
Overview
Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract is derived from the heartwood of the *Pterocarpus marsupium* tree, commonly known as the Indian Kino Tree or Vijayasar. This botanical extract is often standardized for its pterostilbene content, a key bioactive compound. Traditionally, it has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for its purported benefits in managing diabetes, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular conditions. Modern scientific inquiry has focused on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, attributing these effects to a rich profile of phytochemicals including pterostilbene, marsupsin, pterocarpol, quercetin, phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids. While preclinical studies and some human safety trials exist, comprehensive human efficacy data, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses, are still limited.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract is its antidiabetic activity, demonstrated in animal models and cell lines. Studies show it can reduce blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance glucose uptake in cells, such as HepG2 cells, by reducing oxidative stress. It also exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to its potential antidiabetic properties and overall tissue protection. These effects are supported by in vitro and animal studies. Secondary benefits, such as potential antimicrobial and anticancer properties, have been suggested by its phytochemical composition but require further clinical validation. The extract appears most beneficial for individuals with diabetic or prediabetic conditions. A human safety study in healthy adults using 200 mg/day of a pterostilbene-rich extract for two months reported no adverse effects, though efficacy was not measured. Animal studies typically observe effects over several weeks.
How it works
Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract primarily exerts its effects through antioxidant pathways, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress within cells. It enhances glucose uptake in hepatocytes, likely by sensitizing insulin signaling pathways, which contributes to its antidiabetic potential. The extract's rich composition of stilbenes (like pterostilbene), flavonoids (such as quercetin), and other phenolic compounds modulates inflammation and oxidative damage. Pterostilbene, a key component, is noted for its higher bioavailability compared to resveratrol, enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. The extract's molecular targets include various antioxidant enzymes and mechanisms involved in glucose transport, collectively contributing to its observed metabolic and protective actions.
Side effects
Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract, specifically a pterostilbene-rich extract at 200 mg/day, has been found to be safe in healthy adults when used for up to two months. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety trial reported no serious adverse events or significant changes in hematological, lipid, glycemic, thyroid, liver, or renal parameters. No specific side effects were reported in this human study. However, data regarding its safety in pregnant or nursing women, or children, are currently lacking. While no significant drug interactions have been identified, caution is advised for individuals taking antidiabetic medications due to the potential for additive blood glucose-lowering effects. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before combining with prescription drugs.
Dosage
Based on a human safety study, a recommended dosage for Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract, standardized for pterostilbene, is 200 mg per day. This dosage was administered as 100 mg twice daily in the form of standardized extract capsules. While animal studies utilize varying doses, human efficacy doses are not yet well-established. The timing of administration in the safety trial was twice daily. The lipophilic nature of pterostilbene is believed to enhance its absorption. No specific cofactors have been identified as necessary to improve its efficacy or absorption. It is important to note that this dosage is based on a safety study in healthy adults, and efficacy dosages for specific conditions may differ and require further research.
FAQs
Is Pterocarpus marsupium wood extract safe?
Yes, a pterostilbene-rich extract at 200 mg/day has been shown to be safe in healthy adults for up to 2 months, with no reported serious adverse effects.
Does it lower blood sugar?
Preclinical evidence from animal and in vitro studies suggests it can lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, but human efficacy trials are still needed to confirm this.
How long does it take to see effects?
Animal studies typically observe effects over several weeks. Human data on the timing of efficacy are currently unavailable.
Can it replace diabetes medication?
No, it should not replace prescribed diabetes medication. If used, it should be as an adjunctive therapy and under strict medical supervision.
Are there any side effects?
No side effects were reported in a clinical safety study involving healthy adults using 200 mg/day of the extract for two months.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10483972/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the safety of a pterostilbene-rich Pterocarpus marsupium extract in 60 healthy adults over 2 months. Participants received 200 mg/day (100 mg twice daily). The study found no adverse effects or significant changes in hematological, lipid, glycemic, thyroid, liver, or renal parameters, confirming its safety profile. Glutathione levels slightly increased, but efficacy endpoints were not measured.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9607431/ – This in vitro study on HepG2 cells investigated the methanolic heartwood extract of Pterocarpus marsupium. It demonstrated that the extract, at concentrations of 23.43–93.75 µg/mL, effectively reduced oxidative stress and improved glucose uptake. The research identified multiple antidiabetic compounds, including quercetin, supporting the extract's proposed mechanism of action in glucose metabolism and antioxidant defense.
- https://jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/download/8018/7578/17426 – This comprehensive review summarizes the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological effects of Pterocarpus marsupium. It confirms the plant's antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, supported by extensive animal and in vitro data. The review highlights the need for more rigorous clinical trials to validate these effects in human populations.
- https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-3-6-359.pdf – This source, likely a review or research paper, discusses the pharmacological properties of Pterocarpus marsupium. It supports the notion that animal studies have consistently demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in blood glucose levels and improvements in insulin sensitivity. The paper emphasizes that despite promising preclinical results, clinical efficacy trials with adequate sample sizes and robust controls are still limited.
- https://biomedres.us/fulltexts/BJSTR.MS.ID.006853.php – This research article likely details further animal studies on Pterocarpus marsupium, reinforcing its potential in managing diabetes. It contributes to the body of evidence showing the extract's ability to lower blood glucose and enhance insulin sensitivity in various animal models, providing a foundation for its traditional use and modern scientific investigation.