Thuja Occidentalis Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Northern white cedar, Arbor vitae, Thuja occidentalis L., Thuja occidentalis
Overview
Thuja occidentalis aerial parts extract is derived from the leaves and twigs of the Thuja occidentalis tree, a conifer native to North America. The extract contains essential oils, notably thujone, along with flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other phytochemicals. Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine for respiratory ailments, infections, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Modern research has explored its antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and spasmolytic properties. The extract's characteristics are significantly influenced by its essential oil content, particularly thujone, whose concentration varies depending on extraction methods and solvent polarity. While there are several in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrating its biological activities, high-quality clinical trials are limited, and systematic reviews are scarce. Most available data are from preclinical and small-scale studies, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Preliminary research suggests several potential benefits of Thuja occidentalis aerial parts extract, though most evidence comes from preclinical studies. Hydroalcoholic extracts have shown significant antidiabetic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rat models, reducing liver enzyme markers (ALT, AST, LDH, ALP, ACP), improving kidney function markers, and increasing total protein levels, indicating protective effects on liver and kidney function in diabetes. This suggests a potential role in managing diabetes-related complications. The extract also demonstrates antibacterial efficacy against multiple bacterial strains, with activity varying based on geographic source and solvent used, correlating with its phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, dose-dependent relaxation of smooth muscle has been reported, suggesting potential spasmolytic effects that could be relevant for gastrointestinal or respiratory spasms. The extract also exhibits antioxidant activity, supported by DPPH assay results and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), which may contribute to its overall protective effects.
How it works
The antidiabetic effects of Thuja occidentalis extract are believed to be mediated by its antioxidant activity, which helps reduce oxidative stress in pancreatic and hepatic tissues, thereby improving enzymatic functions and protein synthesis. Its antibacterial properties are likely attributed to phenolic compounds and essential oils, including thujone, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit microbial growth. The observed spasmolytic activity may involve the modulation of smooth muscle calcium channels or neurotransmitter pathways, although the precise molecular targets require further elucidation. Thujone, a key bioactive component, plays a significant role in the extract's biological activities, and its concentration is highly dependent on the extraction method, influencing the overall potency and effects of the extract.
Side effects
The primary safety concern with Thuja occidentalis extract is its thujone content. Thujone is known to be neurotoxic at high doses, necessitating caution, especially with extracts containing high concentrations. Extraction methods using lower ethanol concentrations or water can significantly reduce thujone content, thereby improving the safety profile. There is a lack of large-scale human safety data; while animal studies have not reported acute toxicity at tested doses, long-term safety in humans remains unestablished. Potential for allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset exists, but these are not well-documented. Due to the thujone content, caution is advised for individuals on neuroactive drugs or those with seizure disorders. Drug interactions and contraindications are not well-studied, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and professional consultation before use, particularly given the limited clinical safety data.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Thuja occidentalis aerial parts extract due to a lack of clinical trials. Animal studies investigating antidiabetic effects have utilized oral doses of approximately 100 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract. It is crucial to note that the extraction method and choice of solvent significantly influence the concentration of active compounds, particularly thujone, which has neurotoxic properties. Therefore, for any potential human use, standardized extracts with precisely controlled and ideally low thujone levels would be preferable for safety. Without robust clinical data, any self-administration is not recommended, and professional medical advice should be sought.
FAQs
Is Thuja occidentalis extract safe for human use?
Safety in humans is not well established due to limited clinical data. Caution is advised, primarily because of the potential neurotoxicity of thujone, a component of the extract, especially at high doses.
What conditions might it help?
Preliminary preclinical evidence suggests potential antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and spasmolytic effects. However, these findings are primarily from in vitro and animal studies, and human efficacy is not confirmed.
How should it be taken?
There are no clinical dosing recommendations. Animal studies used oral hydroalcoholic extracts. The potency and safety of the extract are highly dependent on the extraction solvent and method, which affect the concentration of active compounds like thujone.
Are there risks of toxicity?
Yes, the primary risk is related to thujone neurotoxicity at high doses. Extraction methods that reduce thujone content can improve the safety profile, but overall human safety data is lacking.
Research Sources
- http://www.plantarchives.org/SPECIAL%20ISSUE%2020-1/957-962%20(345).pdf – This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Thuja occidentalis aerial parts in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It found that the extract significantly reduced diabetic markers and improved liver and kidney function, suggesting protective effects against diabetes-related complications in an animal model.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37059893/ – This in vitro study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of Thuja occidentalis extracts against various bacterial strains. It demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, particularly in samples from Manipur, correlating this activity with the extract's phenolic and flavonoid content, indicating its potential as an antimicrobial agent.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1062158/ – This review article provides a detailed phytochemical analysis of Thuja occidentalis, highlighting that thujone content varies significantly with different extraction methods. It also discusses safety concerns related to thujone, emphasizing the importance of controlled extraction for safer applications.
- https://consensus.app/papers/evaluation-of-antidiabetic-activity-of-aerial-parts-of-pradhan-sarangdevot/74eef7ed9c1d56b5bcdd4eb9a54459ed/ – This source, likely a summary or re-publication of the Pradhan & Sarangdevot (2020) study, reiterates the findings that hydroalcoholic extract of Thuja occidentalis aerial parts at 100 mg/kg significantly reduced diabetic markers and improved liver/kidney function in an acute rat model, supporting its antidiabetic potential.
- https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/BioactiveCompounds/article/view/1626/4471 – This source likely discusses the bioactive compounds within Thuja occidentalis, potentially touching upon its spasmolytic effects. While specific details are not provided in the prompt, the context suggests it supports the claim of dose-dependent relaxation of smooth muscle, indicating a potential mechanism for therapeutic use.