Spatholobus Stem Extract
Also known as: Spatholobus Stem Extract, Spatholobus littoralis Hassk., Bajakah Stem Extract, Chinese Herbal Medicine component, Spatholobus suberectus Dunn
Overview
Spatholobus Stem Extract is derived from the stems of Spatholobus species, primarily Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, a plant traditionally used in Chinese and Southeast Asian medicine. This botanical extract is rich in beneficial phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids. It is primarily recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hematopoietic, and neuroprotective properties. While traditional uses are extensive, the scientific research on the isolated extract is still developing. Most current evidence comes from preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies, with some human clinical trials focusing on multi-herb Chinese medicine formulations that include Spatholobus. The extract is available in various forms, typically as a powdered extract or as part of complex herbal preparations. Its use is rooted in traditional practices for conditions related to blood health, inflammation, and general well-being.
Benefits
Spatholobus Stem Extract demonstrates several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research and traditional use. Its **anti-inflammatory** effects are notable, with studies showing that ethanol extracts of Spatholobus littoralis stem can significantly reduce inflammation in animal models, comparable to standard anti-inflammatory drugs at doses like 2.5 mg/kg. This suggests a potent ability to modulate inflammatory responses. For **anticancer** properties, Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SSD) has shown anti-tumorigenic effects, particularly in breast cancer models, by influencing cancer cell growth and inducing apoptosis. This indicates a direct impact on cancer cell viability. The extract also exhibits strong **antioxidant** activity due to its rich polyphenol content, which contributes to its potential **neuroprotective** effects by scavenging free radicals. While traditional medicine points to **hematopoietic** benefits (supporting blood health), clinical data specifically on the isolated extract for this purpose are limited. Furthermore, Spatholobus components within broader Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulas have shown efficacy in improving **diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)** and **psoriasis**. A meta-analysis indicated that CHM including Spatholobus was superior to mecobalamin for DPN (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16–1.48), and another found improved efficacy for psoriasis (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.01–2.93). However, it's crucial to note that these clinical benefits are observed with multi-herb formulas, and the specific contribution of isolated Spatholobus extract is not yet fully elucidated.
How it works
Spatholobus Stem Extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids. Its anti-inflammatory action is believed to involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the modulation of key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, which plays a central role in inflammatory responses. The extract's antioxidant properties stem from its ability to directly scavenge free radicals and enhance the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing oxidative stress. The observed anticancer effects are thought to be mediated by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, arresting the cell cycle, and inhibiting tumor growth signaling pathways. Neuroprotective and hematopoietic benefits are likely secondary to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, protecting cells and tissues from damage and supporting cellular function.
Side effects
Spatholobus Stem Extract is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile, with preclinical and limited clinical studies reporting negligible side effects. No significant adverse events or conflicts of interest have been widely documented in the reviewed research. However, it is important to note that specific side effect data in humans, particularly from large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing solely on the isolated extract, are limited. Most human data come from studies involving complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulas that contain Spatholobus, rather than the isolated extract itself. Therefore, while current evidence suggests good tolerability, comprehensive safety evaluation in larger and more specific human trials is still needed to fully characterize its safety profile. There are no known major drug interactions or contraindications explicitly documented for Spatholobus Stem Extract at this time. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use, especially given the limited human-specific safety data.
Dosage
The optimal human dosage for Spatholobus Stem Extract is not well-established due to the limited number of clinical trials focusing on the isolated extract. Most existing human research involves complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulas where Spatholobus is one of many components, making it difficult to determine the specific effective dose of the isolated extract. In animal studies, an ethanol extract of Spatholobus littoralis stem showed significant anti-inflammatory effects at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. However, extrapolating animal dosages to humans is complex and requires careful consideration. For human use, there are no standardized recommendations for dosage, timing, or specific formulations. The optimal dose may vary depending on the intended purpose, individual health status, and the specific extract concentration. Until more rigorous clinical research is conducted, there are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional knowledgeable in herbal medicine for guidance on appropriate use and dosage, especially if considering it as a standalone supplement.
FAQs
Is Spatholobus Stem Extract effective on its own?
Most clinical evidence for Spatholobus comes from multi-herb Chinese medicine formulas. While preclinical studies show promise for the isolated extract, more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its standalone efficacy in humans.
Is Spatholobus Stem Extract safe for human consumption?
Current data suggest a good safety profile with negligible side effects reported in preclinical and limited human studies. However, large-scale human safety trials specifically on the isolated extract are still lacking.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from Spatholobus Stem Extract?
Animal studies indicate effects can appear within hours to days for acute conditions. However, human data on the timeline for benefits are insufficient, especially for chronic conditions or isolated extract use.
Can Spatholobus Stem Extract replace conventional medical treatments?
No, Spatholobus Stem Extract should not replace conventional medical treatments. It may offer complementary benefits, but more robust evidence is needed before it can be considered a substitute for prescribed medications or therapies.
Research Sources
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5939/ac3760c09bb505a691ddd3ef1f7e2fefc156.pdf – This animal study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract from Spatholobus littoralis stem in rats. It found that the extract significantly reduced inflammation, demonstrating an effect comparable to positive control drugs at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9497142/ – This systematic review synthesized preclinical evidence on Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SSD), highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, particularly in breast cancer models. The review concludes that while SSD shows significant pharmacological potential in vitro and in vivo, more human clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0076113 – This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), including formulas containing Spatholobus. It found that CHM, when compared to mecobalamin, showed superior efficacy in improving DPN symptoms (RR 1.31, p<0.00001), although the specific contribution of isolated Spatholobus was not determined as it was part of multi-herb formulations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.599433/full – This meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for psoriasis, with some included formulas containing Spatholobus. The study concluded that CHM improved efficacy and quality of life in psoriasis patients compared to placebo (RR 1.72, p=0.04), but acknowledged that the specific role of Spatholobus within these multi-herb treatments remains unclear.
