Quisqualis
Also known as: Quisqualis indica, Rangoon creeper, Chinese honeysuckle, Quisqualis indica L.
Overview
Quisqualis indica, also known as Rangoon creeper or Chinese honeysuckle, is a flowering plant traditionally utilized in Asian medicine for various ailments, particularly gastrointestinal issues. This botanical supplement contains a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals, including alkaloids (like trigonelline), amino acids (such as L-proline and L-asparagine), flavonoids (like rutin), and quisqualic acid, which acts as an AMPA receptor agonist. Its primary applications are rooted in its observed anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties. While research on Q. indica is still developing, it encompasses a mix of in vitro, animal, and a growing number of human clinical studies. The overall quality of evidence is considered moderate, with recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews contributing to its understanding. It is gaining attention for its potential benefits, particularly in addressing lower urinary tract symptoms.
Benefits
Quisqualis indica has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, with varying strengths of evidence: - **Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS):** Strong evidence from a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n≥30 per group) indicates that oral administration of Q. indica extract at 1,000 mg and 2,000 mg daily significantly improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) in men with moderate LUTS (p < 0.001). Improvements were noted across symptoms like incomplete emptying, frequency, intermittency, straining, and quality of life, showing dose-dependent effects. This suggests it is particularly beneficial for adult men experiencing moderate LUTS. - **Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects:** Systematic review data suggest Q. indica possesses anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antimicrobial activities. These effects are attributed to its diverse phytoconstituents. However, most of the supporting evidence for these specific benefits is preclinical (in vitro or animal studies) or derived from traditional use reports, indicating a need for more human clinical trials to confirm these properties. - **Safety Profile:** Toxicological evaluations, including a 13-week repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats, have shown no adverse effects or genotoxicity at doses up to 2,000 mg/kg/day. This indicates a high safety margin for human use within tested doses, supporting its potential as a safe supplement.
How it works
Quisqualis indica exerts its effects through a complex interplay of its bioactive compounds. Quisqualic acid, a key component, acts as an agonist at AMPA receptors, potentially modulating neurotransmission and influencing various physiological processes. Flavonoids, such as rutin, contribute significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by scavenging free radicals and modulating inflammatory pathways. The combined action of these phytochemicals is believed to modulate immune responses, potentially enhancing the body's defense mechanisms, and inhibit microbial growth. While these mechanisms are supported by preclinical data, the precise molecular pathways and their full extent in human systems are still under investigation, suggesting a multi-targeted approach to its observed benefits.
Side effects
Quisqualis indica appears to have a favorable safety profile at the doses tested in both animal models and human clinical trials. No significant adverse events were reported in a 12-week human randomized controlled trial utilizing doses up to 2,000 mg daily for lower urinary tract symptoms. Similarly, a 13-week repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats, at doses up to 2,000 mg/kg/day, found no evidence of adverse effects, genotoxicity, or organ toxicity. This suggests a high safety margin for human consumption within the studied dosage ranges. Currently, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications documented in the reviewed scientific literature. However, as with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking prescription medications, or pregnant/nursing women should consult a healthcare professional before use. While short-term use appears safe, long-term human data are limited, and continued monitoring for any potential, albeit currently unknown, adverse effects is advisable.
Dosage
For the management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), human randomized controlled trials have established effective oral dosages of Quisqualis indica extract at 1,000 mg and 2,000 mg daily. These doses were administered for a duration of 12 weeks, showing significant improvements in symptoms. While specific timing recommendations are not extensively detailed, the studies involved daily oral administration. There are no established guidelines for different purposes beyond LUTS at this time. Animal toxicity studies have supported the safety of Q. indica at doses significantly higher than those used clinically, indicating a wide safety margin. However, it is important to adhere to the clinically tested dosages for efficacy and safety in humans. No specific recommendations regarding the form (e.g., capsule, powder) or absorption factors are widely established beyond the use of standardized extracts. There are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption beyond the effective and safe doses identified in clinical trials.
FAQs
Is Q. indica safe for long-term use?
Animal studies up to 13 weeks show no toxicity, indicating short-term safety. However, long-term human data are limited, so caution and professional consultation are advised for extended use.
How quickly do benefits appear?
In studies for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, symptom improvement was observed as early as 6 weeks, with continued and more significant improvement noted at 12 weeks of consistent use.
Are there known drug interactions?
Currently, there are no known drug interactions reported in the scientific literature for Quisqualis indica. However, always consult a healthcare professional if you are taking other medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9834572/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of Quisqualis indica extract in men with moderate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). The study, involving over 30 participants per group over 12 weeks, found that daily doses of 1,000 mg and 2,000 mg significantly reduced IPSS scores compared to placebo, demonstrating its potential for LUTS management. The methodology was high-quality, supporting the clinical relevance of the findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9532493/ – This study evaluated the 13-week repeated oral dose toxicity and genotoxicity of Quisqualis indica in Sprague–Dawley rats. Administering doses up to 2,000 mg/kg/day, the research found no adverse effects or genotoxicity, establishing a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) greater than 2,000 mg/kg. This provides strong safety evidence for Q. indica under good laboratory practice conditions.
- https://ijppr.humanjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2.Pooja-Jamwal-Amit-Chaudhary-Kalpana-Thakur-Hans-Raj-Kapil-Kumar-Verma.pdf – This systematic review comprehensively examines the pharmacognostical and pharmacological properties of Quisqualis indica. It highlights the plant's traditional uses and its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities, primarily based on preclinical data. The review emphasizes the need for more clinical trials to confirm these effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms in humans.
