Sphaeranthus Indicus Extract
Also known as: Sphaeranthus indicus Linn., East Indian Globe Thistle, Sphaeranthus indicus
Overview
Sphaeranthus indicus, commonly known as East Indian Globe Thistle, is a flowering plant deeply rooted in Ayurvedic medicine. Extracts, primarily derived from its flower heads, are valued for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. This botanical is often used alone or in combination with other plants like Mangifera indica. Research on S. indicus is relatively mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and at least one systematic review/meta-analysis supporting its clinical efficacy and safety. It is traditionally employed for a range of conditions including inflammation, skin diseases, and metabolic disorders. The evidence quality is generally good, though some studies have limitations in sample size and duration. Its therapeutic potential is attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, including high concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids.
Benefits
Sphaeranthus indicus offers several evidence-based benefits: - **Cardiometabolic Health:** A meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated that 800 mg/day of S. indicus extract significantly improved anthropometric parameters (body weight, BMI), lipid profiles (reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides), blood glucose, and blood pressure in obese patients. This benefit is supported by consistent safety profiles across studies, indicating strong evidence for its role in metabolic syndrome management. - **Muscle Strength and Endurance:** An RCT in healthy young men showed that a 2:1 blend of S. indicus flower head and Mangifera indica bark extract (650-850 mg/day), when combined with resistance exercise, enhanced muscle strength and endurance. This effect is likely mediated by the modulation of mTOR signaling and muscle-specific transcription factors, providing good evidence for its ergogenic potential. - **Psoriasis Treatment:** A 12-week RCT involving patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis found that oral S. indicus extract (1.4-2.8 g/day) significantly improved Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores. A notable 40% of patients achieved PASI-75 and 15% achieved PASI-90 at the higher dose, along with histopathological improvements and good tolerability. This indicates strong evidence for its use in dermatological conditions. - **Antioxidant Activity:** In vitro studies have confirmed the strong antioxidant capacity of S. indicus methanolic extracts, attributed to their high phenolic and flavonoid content. This provides foundational evidence for its potential in combating oxidative stress, although further clinical correlation is needed.
How it works
Sphaeranthus indicus exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple mechanisms. It modulates inflammatory cytokine release, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory mediators in the body. For muscle health, it activates mTOR pathways and upregulates myogenic transcription factors like myogenin and myoD, which are crucial for enhancing muscle protein synthesis and mitochondrial function. Its potent antioxidant effects are primarily mediated by phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which scavenge free radicals and chelate metals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, preclinical studies suggest hepatoprotective effects, involving the reduction of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT) and restoration of liver function markers in toxin-induced liver injury models. While specific bioavailability data is limited, water-soluble extracts are commonly used in clinical settings.
Side effects
Sphaeranthus indicus extract is generally well-tolerated in clinical trials, even at doses up to 2.8 g/day for durations of up to 12 weeks. Common side effects reported are minimal and have not been significantly different from those observed with placebo in randomized controlled trials. No serious adverse events or significant drug interactions have been reported in the reviewed studies. However, data regarding contraindications and use in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, are limited. Therefore, caution is advised for these groups due to the lack of sufficient safety data. While no specific drug interactions have been identified, individuals taking immunomodulatory or hepatotoxic medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, given S. indicus's potential effects on immune function and liver enzymes. Overall, its safety profile appears favorable for short to medium-term use within studied dosages.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Sphaeranthus indicus extract varies depending on the intended use and specific formulation. For cardiometabolic and muscle benefits, a minimum effective dose of approximately 650-800 mg per day has been observed in clinical trials. Higher doses, up to 2.8 g per day, have been safely used and shown efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis. Clinical benefits typically manifest within 8-16 weeks of consistent use, depending on the specific indication. Water-soluble extracts standardized for bioactive flavonoids and phenols are generally preferred for optimal efficacy. Absorption and effects, particularly for muscle benefits, may be enhanced when co-administered with other botanicals like Mangifera indica and combined with resistance exercise. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the doses tested in clinical trials, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is Sphaeranthus indicus safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for up to 12 weeks of use. Longer-term safety data beyond this period are still being established, so caution is advised for extended use.
Can it be used for weight loss?
While it improves anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese individuals, it is not considered a standalone weight loss agent. It should be part of a broader health strategy.
Does it interact with medications?
No significant drug interactions have been reported in studies. However, caution is advised if taking immunomodulatory or hepatotoxic drugs due to potential overlapping effects.
Is it effective alone or only in combination?
Both single extracts and combinations (e.g., with Mangifera indica) have shown efficacy depending on the specific health indication, offering flexibility in its application.
Research Sources
- https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/a-metaanalysis-of-isphaeranthus-indicusi-and-igarcinia-mangostanai-products-on-cardiometabolic-outcomes-in-obese-patient.pdf – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana on cardiometabolic outcomes in obese patients. The study found significant improvements in body weight, BMI, lipid profiles, blood glucose, and blood pressure, with consistent safety across studies. It highlights the potential of these botanicals for metabolic health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1393917/full – This randomized controlled trial explored the impact of a Sphaeranthus indicus and Mangifera indica blend combined with resistance exercise on muscle strength and endurance in young men. The findings indicated increased muscle strength and endurance, along with activation of mTOR pathways and improved mitochondrial function, suggesting a role in muscle performance enhancement.
- http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ajdv.20160501.03.html – This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Sphaeranthus indicus extract for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The study demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores, with a significant percentage of patients achieving PASI-75 and PASI-90, supported by histopathological evidence and good tolerability.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.708618/full – This in vitro study focused on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Sphaeranthus indicus. It revealed high antioxidant activity linked to the presence of flavonoids and phenols, providing a mechanistic basis for its traditional uses and supporting its potential in combating oxidative stress.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3059449/ – This review of preclinical studies investigated the hepatoprotective activity of Sphaeranthus indicus. The findings from animal models indicated that the extract reduced liver enzymes and improved liver function markers, suggesting its potential in protecting the liver from damage and supporting its overall safety profile.