Rubus Chingii Hu Extract
Also known as: Fu-Pen-Zi, Chinese raspberry, Rubus chingii Hu
Overview
Rubus chingii Hu, a plant belonging to the Rosaceae family, is traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine, primarily for its purported benefits in urinary and kidney-related conditions. This botanical extract is rich in a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, flavonoids, organic acids, and volatile compounds. Scientific research on Rubus chingii Hu focuses on its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, and cytoprotective properties. While the research landscape is evolving, with increasing attention on polysaccharides as key active components, the quality of evidence varies. Studies range from in vitro and animal models to some human-related investigations, and systematic reviews are emerging. However, robust clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT) data remain limited, indicating that while promising, its full therapeutic potential and safety in humans require further rigorous investigation.
Benefits
Rubus chingii Hu extract, particularly its polysaccharide components, demonstrates several promising benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its anti-inflammatory effects are notable, with polysaccharides shown to reduce inflammation in macrophage models and alleviate colitis in mouse models, suggesting potential for treating intestinal inflammation. The extract also exhibits significant antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and providing cytoprotective effects. Immunomodulatory properties have been observed, where polysaccharides appear to modulate immune responses, potentially enhancing host defense mechanisms. Furthermore, some compounds within the extract have shown inhibitory effects on various cancer cell lines, although the clinical relevance of these anti-tumor findings is yet to be established. Preclinical studies also indicate potential anti-obesity and metabolic benefits. Secondary effects, such as antimicrobial and anticomplementary activities, have also been reported. Traditionally, it has been used in Chinese populations for kidney and urinary conditions, and experimental models suggest its potential for inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disorders. However, it is crucial to note that quantitative clinical data are largely absent, and most findings are from preclinical studies, showing statistically significant effects in cell and animal models but lacking large-scale human RCTs to confirm efficacy and clinical significance.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Rubus chingii Hu are primarily attributed to its diverse bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides and flavonoids. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing key signaling pathways, such as MAPKs, in macrophages, leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Its antioxidant activity stems from its ability to scavenge free radicals and enhance the body's natural cellular antioxidant defenses. Immunomodulation is achieved through the regulation of immune cell activity, possibly involving interactions with toll-like receptors or complement pathways. Bioactive triterpenoids and diterpenoids also contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties by modulating multiple molecular targets within cells. While the oral absorption and bioavailability of polysaccharides are generally low, their effects may be mediated through gut microbiota interactions or direct immune modulation within the gastrointestinal tract.
Side effects
Based on current preclinical research, Rubus chingii extracts and their polysaccharides appear to have a favorable safety profile, with no significant toxicity reported in the reviewed studies. However, due to the limited number of human clinical trials, common side effects in humans are not well documented. There are no reported drug interactions or contraindications identified in the available literature. Specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, are currently unavailable, as these groups have not been specifically studied. Therefore, while preclinical data are reassuring, comprehensive human safety data, including potential adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications, are still needed to fully assess its safety profile for widespread human use.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Rubus chingii Hu extract due to the lack of human randomized controlled trials. Preclinical studies have utilized variable doses of polysaccharide extracts, with typical experimental doses in animal models ranging from tens to hundreds of milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It is important to note that the efficacy and safety of these doses in humans cannot be directly extrapolated. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the extract can be influenced by variations in extraction methods and the purity of the polysaccharides, which directly impact their bioactivity. Oral administration is the most common route in preclinical studies, but factors related to absorption and potential cofactors that might enhance its effects are not yet well defined. Without human clinical data, any specific dosage recommendations for human consumption would be speculative and are not advised.
FAQs
Is Rubus chingii Hu extract safe for human consumption?
Preclinical studies suggest a good safety profile, but human safety data are insufficient. More research is needed to confirm its safety in humans.
What conditions might Rubus chingii Hu extract help with?
Preclinical research indicates potential benefits for inflammatory and metabolic disorders, but clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking.
How quickly does Rubus chingii Hu extract work?
The time course of effects in humans is unknown. Animal studies show effects within days to weeks, but this may not translate directly to humans.
Can Rubus chingii Hu extract be used with other treatments?
There is currently no data available on the safety or efficacy of using Rubus chingii Hu extract in combination with other therapies.
Research Sources
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Phytochemical-Composition-and-Potential-Use-of-Moreno%E2%80%93Medina-Casierra%E2%80%93Posada/4be40e0ff0824975e9f5016045802c5430da8c86 – This meta-analysis reviewed the bioactivities and extraction optimization of crude polysaccharides from Rubus chingii fruits and leaves. It concluded that these polysaccharides possess multiple bioactivities, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The study highlighted limitations such as the heterogeneity of extraction methods and the absence of clinical trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1592046/full – This comprehensive systematic review focused on polysaccharides from Rubus chingii, detailing their extraction, structural characteristics, and various health benefits, including anti-tumor, anti-colitis, and immunomodulatory effects. The review emphasized the critical need for further clinical validation to confirm these preclinical findings in human subjects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6646936/ – This review identified over 235 compounds in Rubus chingii, including triterpenoids and flavonoids, which are responsible for its reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. It discussed the plant's traditional uses and modern pharmacological potential, while also noting the scarcity of clinical data and advocating for more rigorous human trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9105459/ – This preclinical study investigated a purified polysaccharide, RCHP-S, from Rubus chingii, demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated macrophages and a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. The research provided mechanistic insights, specifically highlighting the inhibition of the MAPK pathway, and utilized appropriate controls and statistical analysis for its findings.
