Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Spike Extract
Also known as: Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Spike, Jing Jie, Schizonepeta tenuifolia
Overview
Schizonepeta tenuifolia, commonly known as Jing Jie, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb primarily utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and hemostatic properties. The "spike extract" specifically refers to extracts derived from the flowering spikes of the plant, which are rich in various bioactive compounds, including volatile oils. This herb is frequently incorporated into formulations aimed at addressing allergic skin conditions, common colds, fevers, and other inflammatory states. Its chemical composition includes monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, ketones, flavonoids, and volatile oils, with pulegone being a significant volatile component. While preclinical research and traditional use support its therapeutic potential, high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans are limited, indicating a need for further clinical validation.
Benefits
Schizonepeta tenuifolia spike extract exhibits several potential benefits, primarily in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capacities. Preclinical studies, particularly in models of atopic dermatitis, demonstrate its ability to reduce skin inflammation and lesions by modulating immune cell polarization and inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways like NF-κB. In vitro research further supports its immunomodulatory effects by suppressing mast cell degranulation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-γ, suggesting a role in managing allergic diseases. Its anti-allergic properties are also noted through the inhibition of cytokine release and degranulation in mast cells, indicating potential for allergic skin conditions and asthma. Traditional use also attributes antipyretic, analgesic, and hemostatic effects to the herb. While these benefits are promising, most evidence is derived from animal and in vitro studies, with robust human clinical data, including quantitative effect sizes and time courses, currently lacking.
How it works
Schizonepeta tenuifolia spike extract exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through modulating immune responses and inflammatory pathways. It achieves this by downregulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ, and by suppressing mast cell degranulation, which is a key event in allergic reactions. The extract also inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway and the phosphorylation of related proteins, thereby reducing macrophage M1 polarization and the expression of inflammatory genes. Volatile oils, particularly pulegone, are considered major active components responsible for mediating its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. The exact details of its absorption and bioavailability in humans are not yet well-characterized, though volatile oils may exhibit variable bioavailability.
Side effects
While Schizonepeta tenuifolia is generally considered safe in traditional use and preclinical studies at typical doses, there are important safety considerations. Pulegone, a significant volatile oil component within the extract, carries a documented risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage) at high doses, necessitating caution. Common side effects are not well-documented in clinical trials, and preclinical studies have not reported significant adverse events at tested doses. However, due to the pulegone content, individuals with pre-existing liver impairment should exercise caution, and potential drug interactions are not well-studied. There is insufficient safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, thus its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Long-term safety data are also limited, and the risk of pulegone-induced hepatotoxicity suggests that prolonged or high-dose use should be approached with prudence.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized or clinically established dosing regimen for Schizonepeta tenuifolia spike extract due to the lack of robust human clinical trials. Preclinical in vitro studies have utilized concentrations ranging from 10 to 200 µg/mL, while animal studies and traditional medicine practices employ widely varying doses. Consequently, the optimal human dosage, maximum safe dose, and specific timing considerations remain undefined. Recommendations regarding different dosages for various purposes, as well as the impact of formulation and absorption factors, are also not established. Given the potential hepatotoxicity associated with pulegone, a key component, caution is advised, and upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined.
FAQs
Is Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Spike Extract effective for allergies?
Preclinical evidence suggests anti-allergic effects through immune modulation and suppression of inflammatory cytokines. However, robust human clinical trials are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy in humans.
Is it safe to use long-term?
Safety data for long-term use are limited. Pulegone, a component of the extract, carries a risk of hepatotoxicity at high doses, suggesting caution with prolonged or high-dose administration.
When can one expect to see results?
Preclinical models have shown effects within days. However, human data are insufficient to define a clear onset of action or expected timeframe for results in clinical settings.
Are there any known drug interactions?
Drug interactions are not well-studied. Due to the pulegone content and potential liver effects, caution is advised, especially with medications metabolized by the liver.
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use this extract?
There is insufficient safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, its use in these populations is not recommended without further research and medical consultation.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1413513/full – This preclinical study in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis demonstrated that a combined extract (Jing Fang, including Schizonepeta) reduced skin inflammation. The mechanism involved inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and suppression of macrophage polarization, indicating anti-inflammatory potential.
- https://www.integrmed.org/upload/pdf/pim-2025-06-002.pdf – This systematic review of preclinical studies on Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract (STE) found that it suppressed inflammatory cytokines, mast cell activation, and inflammatory gene expression. The review highlights its potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, though it notes the absence of human clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5937521/ – An in vitro study using RBL-2H3 mast cells showed that Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) dose-dependently suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited mast cell degranulation. This research provides mechanistic insights into its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties at a cellular level.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415675/ – This review article summarizes the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Schizonepeta tenuifolia, including its traditional uses and reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It provides a comprehensive overview of the herb's known compounds and their potential biological activities.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/23c5/380374f72467065e54f805a7fa38225ec8a2.pdf – This analysis focuses on the chemical and pharmacological aspects of Schizonepeta tenuifolia, identifying pulegone as a major active volatile oil. It discusses pulegone's anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects but also highlights its potential for hepatotoxicity, raising important safety considerations.
