Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Spatholobus

Also known as: Spatholobus, Spatholobus spp., SSD, Spatholobus suberectus

Overview

Spatholobus is a genus of climbing woody vines, with *Spatholobus suberectus* Dunn (SSD) being the most notable species, widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is traditionally applied for conditions such as menstrual pain, anemia, paralysis, arthralgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This herbal supplement is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, with over 175 phytochemicals identified, primarily flavonoids. Research indicates its primary applications include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, hematopoietic, and antimicrobial activities. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies exist, and some clinical trials have been conducted, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically isolating the effects of Spatholobus are limited. Much of the clinical evidence comes from its use within broader Chinese herbal medicine formulations, with a recognized need for more rigorous research to fully establish its efficacy and safety.

Benefits

Spatholobus exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research and some clinical observations. Its antitumor properties are notable, with *Spatholobus suberectus* demonstrating anti-breast cancer activity by modulating cancer cell pathways. Strong evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies supports its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which align with its traditional use for inflammatory and ischemic conditions. Spatholobus also shows hematopoietic effects, supporting its traditional application in treating anemia and improving blood circulation. Secondary benefits include neuroprotective and antimicrobial activities, reported in preclinical studies. While it has been included in Chinese herbal medicine formulations for chronic fatigue syndrome, evidence for its direct benefit in this context is indirect and limited by the quality of existing studies. Traditional use and some clinical evidence suggest benefits for gynecological and circulatory disorders, particularly in Asian populations. However, quantitative effect sizes are not well established due to the heterogeneity and quality of clinical trials.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Spatholobus are primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds modulate oxidative stress pathways and inhibit inflammatory mediators, such as NFATc1 and c-Fos, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Spatholobus also interferes with cancer cell proliferation and osteoclastogenesis, explaining its antitumor activity. Its anti-platelet aggregation effects involve the inhibition of thromboxane A and GP IIb/IIIa receptor activation, which helps reduce the risk of thrombosis. Additionally, there is potential for cytochrome P450 inhibition, suggesting a mechanism for drug interactions. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, they are likely influenced by the diverse polyphenol content.

Side effects

Spatholobus is generally regarded as safe, with toxicity studies indicating no apparent toxic effects. However, due to limited high-quality clinical data, common side effects are not well documented. A significant concern is its potential for drug interactions, particularly through the inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which could affect the metabolism of other medications. Specific contraindications and data for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children) are currently lacking. Therefore, caution is advised, especially in individuals on multiple medications (polypharmacy). Comprehensive safety warnings and detailed adverse effect profiles require further rigorous clinical investigation to be fully established.

Dosage

Currently, there is no standardized dosing for Spatholobus established through high-quality clinical trials. Traditional formulations vary widely, and preclinical studies have utilized ethanolic extracts or isolated compounds at different concentrations. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., raw herb, extract, specific compounds) remain undefined. While traditional use often implies chronic administration, the specific duration for observed effects is not well-defined. Further clinical research is necessary to determine safe and effective dosage ranges, considering different therapeutic purposes and individual variations.

FAQs

Is Spatholobus safe?

Toxicity studies suggest Spatholobus is generally safe, showing no apparent toxic effects. However, clinical data on its safety profile, including common side effects and long-term use, are limited and require further research.

Can Spatholobus be used alone or only in combination?

Most clinical evidence for Spatholobus comes from its use within combination Chinese herbal medicine formulas. Its efficacy as a standalone supplement is less established and requires more specific research.

How soon do effects of Spatholobus appear?

The time course for the effects of Spatholobus is not well defined. Traditional use often implies longer-term administration, suggesting that benefits may not be immediate and could accrue over time.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9557005/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), including Spatholobus, for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It found that CHM showed some symptom improvement in CFS patients but highlighted significant limitations due to poor study quality, heterogeneity, and lack of blinding in the included RCTs, emphasizing the need for better-designed trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9497142/ – This review article focused on the preclinical evidence for *Spatholobus suberectus* Dunn (SSD). It summarized that SSD possesses significant antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet effects, primarily based on in vitro and in vivo studies, noting that clinical evidence is still limited.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/fo/d2fo00895e – This comprehensive review explored the broad pharmacological activities of various Spatholobus species, identifying numerous phytochemicals and their potential therapeutic applications. It concluded that while Spatholobus exhibits promising properties with no apparent toxicity in studies, more clinical trials and detailed toxicology data are needed to fully validate its uses.