Scrophularia Extract
Also known as: Scrophularia buergeriana, S. ningpoensis, S. striata, Figwort, Xuan Shen, Brainon®
Overview
Scrophularia, commonly known as Figwort, is a genus of perennial herbs native to East Asia. The extracts, particularly from *Scrophularia buergeriana*, *S. ningpoensis*, and *S. striata*, are used for their potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The extracts contain bioactive compounds such as harpagoside, cinnamic acid derivatives, and iridoid glycosides. Brainon® is a proprietary extract of Scrophularia marketed for cognitive enhancement. Research on Scrophularia is primarily preclinical, involving animal and cell studies, with limited human trials. The current evidence suggests potential benefits, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans. It is considered a nootropic supplement with anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
Scrophularia extracts have demonstrated several potential benefits in preclinical studies. Cognitive enhancement has been observed in aged mice, with improved spatial memory (p < 0.01) using the Brainon® extract. Additionally, it has shown neuroprotective effects by reducing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. The extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in liver injury models and reducing the production of TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts of Scrophularia have shown antimicrobial activity against *Staphylococcus* species, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ≤ 1mg/mL. However, it is important to note that these benefits are primarily supported by preclinical evidence, and further human studies are needed to validate these findings.
How it works
Scrophularia extracts exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which reduces oxidative stress. The extracts also inhibit the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, reducing inflammation. At the molecular level, Scrophularia targets glutamate receptors, potentially modulating neuronal excitability. It also inhibits COX-2 and iNOS, further contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. However, human pharmacokinetic data is currently unavailable, limiting our understanding of its bioavailability and metabolism in humans. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and bioavailability of Scrophularia extracts.
Side effects
Scrophularia extracts are generally considered safe at traditional doses, with no significant adverse effects reported in preclinical studies. However, due to the presence of coumarin derivatives, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulant medications. While unverified, there is also a potential for Scrophularia to modulate CYP450 enzymes, which could affect the metabolism of other drugs. As a precaution, Scrophularia is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the lack of safety data in this population. It is important to note that the safety profile is primarily based on preclinical data, and more comprehensive human studies are needed to fully assess the potential side effects and drug interactions.
Dosage
Due to limited human data, the optimal dosage of Scrophularia extracts is not well-established. In mice studies, an effective dose of Brainon® was 100-200 mg/kg/day. A human equivalent dose would be approximately 8-16 mg/kg, but this is unverified and should be approached with caution. It is recommended to use extracts standardized to ≥5% harpagoside. For antimicrobial applications, ethanolic extracts are preferred. Given the lack of comprehensive safety data, it is advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated. More research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and form for different applications.
FAQs
Can it replace prescription cognitive enhancers?
No, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of Scrophularia extracts as a replacement for prescription cognitive enhancers. Clinical efficacy has not been established.
Best time to take?
There is no specific data on the optimal timing for taking Scrophularia extracts. Traditional use suggests divided doses with meals may be beneficial, but this has not been scientifically validated.
Neuroprotective duration?
Animal studies have shown neuroprotective effects after 4-8 weeks of Scrophularia extract administration. However, the duration of these effects in humans is unknown and requires further investigation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9955813/ – This preclinical animal study investigated the effects of Brainon® on cognitive function in aged mice. The study found that 200 mg/kg of Brainon® improved performance in the Morris water maze, indicating enhanced spatial memory. However, the study is limited by its lack of human translation and short duration.
- https://brieflands.com/articles/gct-120772.pdf – This in vitro microbiological study screened the antimicrobial activity of Scrophularia extracts against various bacterial strains. The study found that ethanol extracts exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous extracts. However, the study lacks clinical correlation and further research is needed to validate these findings in vivo.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8301161/ – This narrative review examined 78 preclinical studies on Scrophularia, focusing on its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The review concluded that Scrophularia shows promising anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical validation is needed. The review highlights the potential of Scrophularia as an anti-inflammatory agent based on preclinical evidence.
- https://academic.oup.com/jpp/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/jpp/rgaa036/60217316/rgaa036.pdf – This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of Scrophularia against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. The findings suggest that Scrophularia extracts can reduce glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, indicating a potential neuroprotective mechanism. The study contributes to the understanding of Scrophularia's neuroprotective properties at the cellular level.
- https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article/73/5/573/6151628 – This research explores the anti-inflammatory effects of Scrophularia extracts, focusing on the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. The study demonstrates that Scrophularia can inhibit the NF-κB pathway in liver injury models, reducing inflammation. The findings support the potential use of Scrophularia as an anti-inflammatory agent.