Trichopus Zeylanicus Extract
Also known as: Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn., Arogyapacha, Kerala Ginseng, Trichopus zeylanicus
Overview
Trichopus zeylanicus, commonly known as Arogyapacha or Kerala Ginseng, is a medicinal plant indigenous to the Western Ghats of India. Traditionally, tribal communities have utilized it as a health tonic, adaptogen, and rejuvenator. The plant is valued for its purported anti-fatigue, immunomodulatory, antistress, aphrodisiac, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to a rich array of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and phenolic compounds. While preclinical animal studies and phytochemical analyses have provided initial insights into its potential, human clinical trials are scarce, indicating that research on this extract is still in its early stages. The plant is typically consumed as an extract from its leaves.
Benefits
Research, primarily from animal studies, suggests several potential benefits for Trichopus zeylanicus. It exhibits **anti-fatigue and adaptogenic effects**, supporting its traditional use for improving endurance and reducing stress markers in animal models. The plant also demonstrates **immunomodulatory activity**, with alkaloid fractions shown to increase neutrophil adhesion and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in mice, suggesting enhanced immune responses (p < 0.05) at doses of 75-300 mg/kg. **Antidiabetic activity** has been observed, where an ethanolic leaf extract significantly lowered fasting blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, comparable to standard antidiabetic drugs. Furthermore, it shows **hepatoprotective effects**, as an aqueous leaf extract ameliorated ibuprofen-induced liver damage in rats, normalizing liver function markers (p < 0.05). **Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects** have also been noted in animal studies, attributed to compounds like lupeol acetate and β-sitosterol. Preliminary in vitro studies hint at **antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential**, but these findings require further validation.
How it works
The pharmacological activities of Trichopus zeylanicus are attributed to a complex mixture of bioactive compounds identified through GC-MS analysis. Key constituents include farnesol (23.5%), lupeol acetate (19%), butylated hydroxytoluene (17.8%), squalene (7.8%), lupenone (6.8%), and β-sitosterol (5.2%). These compounds are believed to exert their effects through various mechanisms, primarily by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cell function. For instance, the alkaloid fraction has been shown to enhance cellular immune responses, such as neutrophil adhesion and T-cell mediated delayed hypersensitivity. The overall adaptogenic and protective effects are likely due to the synergistic action of these phytochemicals, contributing to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. However, detailed absorption and bioavailability data in biological systems are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Animal toxicity studies on Trichopus zeylanicus extract have indicated a favorable safety profile, with no mortality or significant adverse effects reported even at high oral doses (up to 5 g/kg body weight). However, it is crucial to note that **no human safety data from controlled clinical trials are currently available**. This means that while preclinical data are promising, the safety of this extract in humans has not been established. Consequently, there are no documented drug interactions or contraindications, as these typically emerge from human clinical research. Similarly, common side effects have not been reported in the existing literature, but the absence of evidence in preclinical studies does not definitively rule out the possibility of adverse effects in humans. Individuals considering using this extract should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially given the lack of human data and potential for unknown interactions or side effects.
Dosage
Due to the limited research primarily conducted in animal models, there are **no established human dosing guidelines** for Trichopus zeylanicus extract. Effective doses observed in animal studies vary significantly depending on the specific extract type and desired effect. For instance, antidiabetic effects were noted in rats at 400 mg/kg of an ethanolic extract orally for 15 days. Immunomodulatory effects in mice were observed with 75-300 mg/kg of an alkaloid fraction orally. Hepatoprotective effects were seen with an aqueous extract, though the specific dose was not detailed. The timing of administration and the type of extract (e.g., aqueous vs. ethanolic) may influence efficacy, but these factors require further investigation. Without human clinical trials, any dosage recommendations would be speculative and potentially unsafe. Therefore, caution is advised, and professional medical guidance is recommended before use.
FAQs
Is Trichopus zeylanicus extract safe for human use?
Animal studies suggest safety at high doses (up to 5 g/kg), but there are no human safety data from controlled clinical trials. Therefore, caution is advised, and human safety is not yet established.
Does it improve blood sugar control?
Preclinical animal models have shown significant glucose-lowering effects with ethanolic extracts. However, these findings have not been confirmed in human studies, so clinical efficacy is unknown.
Can it enhance immunity?
Preclinical data indicate immunostimulatory effects, particularly from alkaloid fractions, which enhanced immune responses in mice. Clinical confirmation in humans is still needed.
What forms are available?
Research primarily focuses on ethanolic or aqueous leaf extracts. Alkaloid fractions have also been studied separately for specific effects, but commercial availability may vary.
Are there any known drug interactions or contraindications?
Due to the lack of human clinical data, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been documented. Users should consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications.
Research Sources
- https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/3221_pdf.pdf – This review and in vivo rat study from 2017 investigated the antidiabetic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of Trichopus zeylanicus ethanolic extract. It found that the extract significantly lowered blood glucose in diabetic rats and was safe up to 5 g/kg body weight. The study, while preclinical, provides evidence for its traditional uses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9410745/ – This 2022 in vivo rat study explored the hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Trichopus zeylanicus. It demonstrated that the extract ameliorated ibuprofen-induced liver damage, normalizing liver index and body weight, suggesting its potential in liver protection. The study was well-controlled but limited to an animal model.
- https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/evaluation-of-immunomodulatory-activity-of-the-alkaloid-fraction-of-trichopus-zeylanicus-gaertn-on-experimental-animals.pdf – This 2014 in vivo study in mice evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of the alkaloid fraction of Trichopus zeylanicus. It found that the alkaloid fraction dose-dependently increased neutrophil adhesion and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, indicating enhanced cellular immune responses. The study provides preclinical evidence for its immunostimulatory potential.
- https://www.ijpcbs.com/articles/cytotoxic-and-antimicrobial-studies-on-arogyapacha-or-kerala-ginseng-leaf-extracts.pdf – This study investigated the cytotoxic and antimicrobial potential of Trichopus zeylanicus leaf extracts. It provided preliminary in vitro evidence suggesting some antimicrobial activity, though the data are limited and require further validation. This indicates a broader range of potential bioactivities for the plant.
