Scrophularia Ningpoensis
Also known as: Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl., Ningpo figwort, Scrophulariae Radix, SR, Scrophularia ningpoensis
Overview
Scrophularia ningpoensis, commonly known as Ningpo figwort, is a traditional medicinal plant native to East Asia, with a history of use spanning over 2000 years. Its dried root, referred to as Scrophulariae Radix (SR), is the primary part utilized in traditional medicine. Historically, it has been employed for its purported abilities to clear heat, cool blood, nourish Yin, and detoxify the body. Traditional applications include treating conditions such as fever, pharyngitis, and various cardiovascular and eye diseases. The plant is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including iridoids, phenolic glycosides, phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenes, which are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological activities. While preclinical research has explored its potential, high-quality clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials specifically on S. ningpoensis remains limited, indicating a need for further human studies.
Benefits
Pharmacological studies, predominantly preclinical, suggest several potential benefits of Scrophularia ningpoensis. These include hepatoprotective effects, indicating its potential to protect the liver, and anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, research points to neuroprotective effects, suggesting it may offer protection to nerve cells, and anti-ventricular remodeling effects, which could be relevant for cardiovascular health. Traditionally, it has been used for fever, pharyngitis, cardiovascular diseases, and eye conditions, with some pharmacological rationale supporting these uses. However, it is crucial to note that direct clinical trial evidence in humans for these benefits is limited, and no large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically isolating the effects of S. ningpoensis in humans have been identified. Therefore, while promising, the evidence for human benefits is largely indirect or based on traditional use.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Scrophularia ningpoensis are attributed to its diverse array of bioactive compounds, primarily iridoids and phenolic glycosides. These compounds are believed to exert their effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, they contribute to the observed hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities. Emerging research also suggests that S. ningpoensis may modulate neurotransmitter systems, specifically affecting norepinephrine (NE) pathways, although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction are still being investigated. Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that the bioactive constituents undergo varied absorption and metabolic transformations within the body, indicating a complex in vivo metabolism that influences their bioavailability and efficacy.
Side effects
Scrophularia ningpoensis has a long history of traditional use and is generally considered safe when used appropriately within traditional contexts. The reviewed literature does not report specific common or severe adverse effects associated with its use. However, due to the limited availability of comprehensive clinical trial data, a thorough safety profile, including potential drug interactions and contraindications, has not been well established. This means that while it has been traditionally used without widespread reports of harm, modern scientific scrutiny regarding its interactions with pharmaceutical drugs or its safety in specific populations (e.g., pregnant women, individuals with pre-existing conditions) is lacking. Therefore, caution is advised, especially when considering its use in conjunction with other medications, as potential interactions cannot be ruled out without further research.
Dosage
Standardized dosing guidelines for Scrophularia ningpoensis, based on modern clinical trials, are currently unavailable. Traditional dosing relies on practices from herbal medicine, typically utilizing dried root preparations (Scrophulariae Radix) in decoctions or extracts. While quality control methods exist for herbal preparations to ensure consistent phytochemical content, specific recommendations for optimal dosage ranges, timing of administration, and formulation specifics for different therapeutic purposes are not established through rigorous clinical investigation. The absence of clinical trial data means there are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds from a modern pharmacological perspective. Therefore, individuals considering its use should exercise caution and consult with a qualified healthcare professional, especially given the lack of standardized, evidence-based dosing information.
FAQs
Is Scrophularia ningpoensis clinically proven?
Current evidence is largely preclinical and traditional. Robust randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses confirming its clinical efficacy in humans are lacking.
Is Scrophularia ningpoensis safe?
It has a long history of traditional use and is generally considered safe. However, modern safety data, especially regarding drug interactions and specific populations, are limited. Caution is advised.
How is Scrophularia ningpoensis typically used?
It is traditionally used as a dried root in decoctions or extracts within herbal medicine practices. No standardized modern formulations or usage guidelines exist.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33772290/ – This systematic review summarizes the phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and pharmacokinetics of Scrophularia ningpoensis. It identifies multiple bioactive compounds and discusses their hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities, noting that most data are preclinical.
- https://academic.oup.com/jpp/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/jpp/rgaa036/60217316/rgaa036.pdf – This source, likely part of the Zhang et al. 2021 systematic review, provides detailed insights into the pharmacological activities and chemical constituents of Scrophularia ningpoensis. It reinforces the preclinical evidence for its various therapeutic potentials.
- https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bmc.5757 – This experimental study, likely the 'unnamed metabolism study, 2023', investigates the mechanism of Scrophularia ningpoensis related to norepinephrine modulation. It suggests a potential interaction with neurotransmitter systems, though the findings are preclinical and the mechanism is not fully elucidated.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11584121/ – This meta-analysis on Traditional Medicine Preparations (TMPs) including Scrophularia ningpoensis containing formulas, suggests that TMPs combined with conventional treatments can show efficacy and safety in some conditions. However, it highlights high heterogeneity and the difficulty in isolating the specific contribution of S. ningpoensis due to multi-herb formulations.
