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Self Heal Fruit Extract

Also known as: Self Heal Fruit Extract, Self Heal, Self-Healing Herb, Heal-All, Prunella vulgaris L. fruit extract

Overview

Prunella vulgaris L. fruit extract is derived from the dried fruit spikes of the Prunella vulgaris plant, a member of the Lamiaceae family found across East Asia, Europe, and North America. Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine for various ailments, including wound healing, sore throat relief, and as an anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic agent. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, triterpenes, and fatty acids, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While research, including in vitro and animal studies, suggests potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, robust clinical evidence in humans is still limited and requires further validation.

Benefits

The extract exhibits significant antioxidant activity, primarily attributed to phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in animal models of inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Animal studies also support its anti-inflammatory effects, with ethanol extracts demonstrating superior reduction of inflammation-induced oxidative stress compared to some standard drugs. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicate antitumor potential, showing cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines (e.g., oral squamous carcinoma, breast adenocarcinoma) by inhibiting proliferation and migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Preliminary clinical data, though limited, suggest that Prunella vulgaris adjunct therapy might improve survival and reduce chemotherapy side effects in breast cancer patients. Traditional uses include relief of sore throat, fever reduction, and treatment of intestinal infections, but these lack strong clinical trial evidence.

How it works

The antioxidant effects of Prunella vulgaris fruit extract are primarily mediated by its phenolic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which act as free radical scavengers, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to involve the modulation of inflammatory mediators and the reduction of oxidative damage within tissues. The observed antitumor activity may stem from the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, inhibition of their proliferation, and anti-migratory effects, likely due to the synergistic action of its bioactive flavonoids and phenolic acids. Bioavailability data for these compounds are limited, but they are generally known to have moderate absorption and can undergo extensive metabolism.

Side effects

Prunella vulgaris extracts generally appear to have a favorable safety profile based on animal studies and limited human use, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in the reviewed literature. However, due to the scarcity of comprehensive clinical trials, common side effects are not well documented. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been definitively established. Nevertheless, caution is advised when using the extract concomitantly with chemotherapy, based on preliminary data suggesting potential interactions, although specific details are lacking. Furthermore, there is insufficient safety data for special populations, including pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and children, thus its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.

Dosage

Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Prunella vulgaris fruit extract due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized ethanol extracts at various concentrations, with some indicating better efficacy at lower concentrations (e.g., 50% or below). Human clinical studies, particularly those investigating its use as an adjunct in cancer therapy, have employed unspecified extract formulations, meaning current human dosing remains largely empirical. The specific timing of administration and the type of formulation (e.g., ethanol vs. aqueous extract) may influence both efficacy and safety, but these aspects require further dedicated research to establish clear recommendations. Upper limits and safety thresholds have not been determined.

FAQs

Is self heal fruit extract effective for inflammation?

Animal studies support its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but human clinical evidence is currently insufficient to confirm these benefits in people.

Can it be used as a cancer therapy?

Preliminary in vitro and small clinical studies suggest potential adjunct benefits, but it is not a standalone treatment and should not replace conventional cancer therapies.

Is self heal fruit extract safe?

It appears safe in limited studies, but comprehensive human safety data, especially for long-term use or specific populations, are still insufficient.

How long does it take to see benefits?

Animal studies show dose-dependent effects, but human data on the time course for observing benefits are currently unavailable due to limited clinical research.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11084636/ – This animal study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Prunella vulgaris ethanol extract. It found that the extract, rich in rosmarinic acid, significantly reduced oxidative stress in an acute inflammation model in a dose-dependent manner, outperforming a standard drug.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-022-01138-x – This research explored the antitumor activity of Prunella vulgaris, including in vitro studies showing cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and preliminary clinical data suggesting improved complete response rates and 3-year survival in breast cancer patients receiving adjunct Prunella vulgaris treatment, along with reduced chemotherapy side effects. However, the clinical data were small-scale and observational.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10460042/ – This review summarizes the traditional uses, bioactive compounds, and recent findings on the antitumor potential of Prunella vulgaris. It highlights its ethnopharmacological significance and discusses in vitro evidence for its cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell lines, emphasizing the need for further clinical validation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9261270/ – This article provides an overview of Prunella vulgaris, detailing its traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities. It discusses its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer properties, drawing from both traditional knowledge and modern scientific investigations, while noting the need for more rigorous clinical trials.