Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract
Also known as: Japanese catnip, Jing Jie, Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., Schizonepeta tenuifolia
Overview
Schizonepeta tenuifolia is a medicinal herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. It is primarily employed in traditional practices to address inflammatory conditions, various skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, and to support cardiovascular health. The extract is typically prepared through ethanol or aqueous extraction methods, yielding a rich composition of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and essential oils. While research on S. tenuifolia is ongoing, with several in vitro and in vivo studies, and a limited number of clinical trials, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses are still emerging.
Benefits
Schizonepeta tenuifolia exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects, evidenced by its ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and inhibit key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, which are central to inflammation regulation. In animal models of atopic dermatitis, extracts have been shown to alleviate skin inflammation, reduce epidermal thickness, and improve skin barrier function, potentially by modulating macrophage polarization and TRPV1 expression, with reported reductions of up to ~70% in IL-6 and ~46% in IgE serum levels. For cardiovascular health, the extract demonstrates antithrombotic potential by inhibiting platelet aggregation and granule secretion via MAPK and Akt pathways. Some preliminary evidence also suggests antiviral activity and promotion of wound healing, though clinical data for these benefits are scarce. Benefits in animal models typically appear within days to weeks, but human data on onset and efficacy are limited.
How it works
Schizonepeta tenuifolia exerts its therapeutic effects primarily by inhibiting crucial inflammatory signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (JNK, ERK, and p38 kinases). In the cardiovascular system, it attenuates platelet activation and aggregation by reducing intracellular calcium mobilization and fibrinogen binding. Furthermore, the extract modulates immune cell polarization, such as macrophages, and downregulates TRPV1, thereby suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The bioactive compounds responsible for these actions are believed to include various flavonoids and volatile oils, although detailed pharmacokinetic and bioavailability data for these specific compounds are still limited.
Side effects
Overall, Schizonepeta tenuifolia extracts are considered safe in preclinical studies, with no major adverse effects reported at the doses investigated. However, due to the limited number of human clinical trials, common side effects are not well documented, and comprehensive safety data in humans are lacking. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the currently reviewed literature. It is important to note that the safety of Schizonepeta tenuifolia in special populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, has not been established, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided until further research is conducted. Long-term safety data in humans are also unavailable.
Dosage
Human dosing guidelines for Schizonepeta tenuifolia are not well established due to the scarcity of clinical trials. Preclinical animal studies have utilized intraperitoneal doses around 250 mg/kg for anti-inflammatory effects. The concentration of active compounds and their bioavailability can vary significantly depending on the extraction method used (e.g., aqueous versus ethanol extracts). The timing of administration in research studies has ranged from acute (hours) to subchronic (days to weeks), depending on the specific condition being investigated. Without robust human clinical data, it is difficult to recommend a standardized dosage, and any use should be under professional guidance, considering the lack of established safety thresholds and upper limits for human consumption.
FAQs
Is Schizonepeta tenuifolia safe for long-term use?
No definitive human data exist for long-term safety. Preclinical studies suggest safety, but clinical confirmation is needed before recommending prolonged use.
What conditions benefit most from Schizonepeta tenuifolia?
It shows promise for inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and for reducing platelet-related cardiovascular risks. Potential benefits for viral infections also exist.
How fast do effects appear?
In animal models, effects have been observed within days to weeks. However, human data on the onset of action are currently lacking.
Is Schizonepeta tenuifolia effective orally?
Most studies have focused on non-oral routes of administration. Further research is required to confirm its oral efficacy and bioavailability in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6813526/ – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract on human platelet function. It found that the extract inhibited platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, and the phosphorylation of MAPK/Akt pathways, suggesting a potential antithrombotic effect. The study provides robust in vitro evidence but lacks clinical relevance.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11383762/ – This in vivo study used a murine model of atopic dermatitis to evaluate a decoction containing Schizonepeta tenuifolia. The results showed that the decoction significantly reduced skin inflammation, epidermal thickness, and levels of IgE, TNF-α, and IL-6, while modulating macrophage polarization and the NF-κB pathway. This well-controlled animal study provides strong preclinical evidence for skin benefits, though it uses a combined herbal formula.
- https://www.integrmed.org/articles/funded.php – This systematic review, published in Integrative Medicine, synthesized findings from 13 in vivo and in vitro studies on Schizonepeta tenuifolia. It confirmed the herb's anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiplatelet effects, noting its inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK pathways without systemic immunosuppression. While comprehensive, the review highlighted the limited number of clinical trials and heterogeneity in administration routes as key limitations.
