Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Also known as: Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Chinese cucumber, Chinese snake gourd, TK root extract, ETK, Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract
Overview
Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract (TK root extract) is derived from the root of the plant *Trichosanthes kirilowii*, a traditional medicinal plant primarily used in East Asian medicine for respiratory ailments. While historically used for lung diseases, modern research is exploring its potential in complementary medicine, particularly for its anticancer and anti-metastatic properties. This research is predominantly preclinical, focusing on its effects against lung cancer cells resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The extract's bioactivities have been observed in in vitro and cell-line studies, showing promise at a molecular and cellular level, but high-quality human clinical trial data are currently lacking.
Benefits
Preclinical studies indicate that Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract exhibits anticancer activity, specifically against EGFR TKI-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. It has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in these resistant cells. Furthermore, the extract demonstrates anti-metastatic potential by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby reducing the migration and invasion capabilities of resistant lung cancer cells. These effects are observed in in vitro models, with no human clinical data available to confirm efficacy or specific benefits for human populations. The active compound cucurbitacin B (CuB) has been identified as a key contributor to these anti-metastatic effects.
How it works
Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract exerts its effects by modulating specific intracellular signaling pathways. It induces apoptosis in NSCLC cells by downregulating the phosphorylation of STAT3 and Src proteins, leading to chromatin condensation and PARP cleavage. The extract also suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by decreasing mesenchymal markers like N-cadherin and Twist, while simultaneously upregulating epithelial markers such as Claudin-1. This anti-metastatic action is mediated through the dephosphorylation of Src. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) has been identified as a key active molecule responsible for these anti-metastatic effects. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of the extract in humans are currently uncharacterized.
Side effects
There are no human clinical safety data available for Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract, and no adverse effects have been reported in the conducted in vitro studies. While traditional use suggests a degree of tolerability, rigorous studies on its toxicity, potential side effects, and contraindications in humans are lacking. Consequently, specific risk factors, drug interactions, or contraindications with existing cancer therapies remain unknown. Comprehensive safety warnings cannot be provided without further clinical research. Users should exercise caution due to the absence of established human safety profiles.
Dosage
Due to the lack of human clinical trials, there are no established dosing guidelines for Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract. Preclinical studies have utilized ethanolic extracts at concentrations relevant for cell culture assays, which are not directly translatable to human dosages. Therefore, specific recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be provided. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption are also undetermined, emphasizing the need for further research before any human application.
FAQs
Is Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract safe for human use?
Safety in humans is not established. While it has traditional uses, clinical safety data from rigorous studies are currently lacking, and potential side effects are unknown.
Does it work for cancer treatment?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential anticancer effects against resistant lung cancer cells in laboratory settings, but no clinical trials confirm its efficacy in humans.
How should it be taken?
There are no clinical dosing or administration guidelines for human use. All current research is preclinical, making it impossible to recommend how it should be taken.
Research Sources
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635581.2022.2114509 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract on EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC cell lines. Findings indicated that the extract inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by downregulating STAT3 and Src phosphorylation pathways, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent in resistant lung cancers.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37870977/ – This in vitro study demonstrated that Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract suppressed the metastatic potential of EGFR TKI-resistant lung cancer cells. It achieved this by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through Src dephosphorylation, reducing cell migration and invasion. Cucurbitacin B was identified as a key active compound responsible for these anti-metastatic effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36004720/ – This in vitro study, similar to the 2022 Park et al. paper, further confirmed the ability of Trichosanthes kirilowii root extract to induce apoptosis and inhibit growth in resistant NSCLC cell lines. It reinforces the mechanistic findings regarding STAT3 and Src pathway modulation in these cancer cells.