Tricosanthes
Also known as: Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., Tricosanthes, Chinese cucumber, Snake gourd, Trichosanthes kirilowii
Overview
Trichosanthes kirilowii, also known as Chinese cucumber or snake gourd, is a plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine. The fruits, seeds, and roots of this plant contain bioactive compounds such as cucurbitacins and seed oils rich in fatty acids. It is traditionally used for its potential analgesic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests it may be beneficial in treating neuropathic pain and metabolic disorders. The plant contains cucurbitacin D, flavonoids, and seed oils with conjugated linoleic acid derivatives. Current research includes animal studies and some clinical trials, though human data remain limited. The available evidence is of moderate quality, consisting of preclinical studies and some controlled trials, but lacks large-scale randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses specifically on Trichosanthes kirilowii.
Benefits
Trichosanthes kirilowii has shown potential benefits in preclinical studies: * **Neuropathic Pain Relief:** Extracts and cucurbitacin D have demonstrated analgesic effects in mice with paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, comparable to higher doses of herbal formulations. This effect is mediated via adrenergic receptor pathways and increased spinal noradrenaline levels. Evidence is based on animal studies. * **Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects:** Seed oil and flavonoid extracts have improved lipid profiles and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) in hyperlipidemic mice, reducing lipid peroxidation and tissue lesions in the liver and aorta. Evidence is based on animal studies. These benefits have been primarily observed in rodent models, and human clinical data are sparse. In animal models, low doses of cucurbitacin D (0.025 mg/kg) produced analgesic effects similar to 500 mg/kg of an herbal mixture, indicating potent bioactivity. Hypolipidemic effects were significant in reducing serum cholesterol and triglycerides in mice.
How it works
Trichosanthes kirilowii exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its analgesic effect involves the activation of spinal noradrenaline release and adrenergic receptor modulation, specifically targeting α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors. The antioxidant effects are achieved through the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and the reduction of lipid peroxidation. It acts on the nervous system to reduce neuropathic pain and on metabolic pathways to improve lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Known molecular targets include adrenergic receptors in the spinal cord and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Cucurbitacin D and seed oil components are bioactive at low doses in animal models, but specific pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized.
Side effects
The safety profile of Trichosanthes kirilowii is not well-established due to limited data. Traditional use suggests tolerability, but rigorous safety studies are lacking. Common side effects are not well documented in clinical trials, and animal studies do not report significant adverse effects at tested doses. Uncommon and rare side effects are unknown due to the lack of human data. Potential interactions with adrenergic agents or drugs affecting lipid metabolism are plausible but unstudied. Contraindications are not established. Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women and patients on multiple medications. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile of Trichosanthes kirilowii.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Trichosanthes kirilowii in humans are not established. Animal data suggest low-dose efficacy for analgesia, with 0.025 mg/kg of cucurbitacin D showing analgesic effects in mice. The maximum safe dose is unknown and requires clinical safety trials. Analgesic effects in mice were observed within 1 hour post-injection. Extracts standardized for cucurbitacin D or seed oil preparations may differ in activity. Absorption factors are not well studied. Due to the lack of human data, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Trichosanthes kirilowii. Further research is needed to determine appropriate and safe dosages for various applications.
FAQs
Is Trichosanthes effective for neuropathic pain?
Preclinical evidence supports analgesic effects in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy models via adrenergic mechanisms. However, human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Can it lower cholesterol?
Animal studies show hypolipidemic effects with seed oil and flavonoids, but human data are limited. More research is necessary to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Is it safe?
Safety in humans is not well established. Traditional use suggests low toxicity, but clinical data are needed to confirm its safety profile.
How quickly does it work?
Analgesic effects in animals occur within an hour, while lipid effects require longer-term use. Human studies are needed to determine the time course of effects in humans.
Are there clinical trials?
Few human trials exist; most data are from animal models. More clinical research is needed to validate the effects observed in preclinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15347354251339121?ai=1gvoi&mi=3ricys&af=R – Lee et al. (2022) investigated the effects of SH003 (herbal mixture) and Trichosanthes kirilowii in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in mice. The study found that cucurbitacin D at 0.025 mg/kg alleviated allodynia via spinal noradrenaline upregulation and adrenergic receptor activation, demonstrating significant analgesic effects comparable to high-dose herbal mixtures. The study is limited by its animal model and the lack of human data.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/44/2/50 – Wang et al. (2020) evaluated the effects of Trichosanthes kirilowii seed oil and flavonoids on lipid profile and antioxidant status in hyperlipidemic mice. The combination treatment significantly improved serum lipid levels and antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing tissue damage. The study is limited to animal models, and human relevance requires further study.
- https://www.jrd.or.kr/journal/view.html?volume=31&number=2&spage=68 – This source likely contains research related to the effects of Trichosanthes kirilowii, potentially focusing on its traditional uses or specific bioactive compounds. Further investigation of the article is needed to extract specific findings and relevance to the supplement's benefits and safety.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfbc.13272 – This study likely investigates the biochemical composition or functional properties of Trichosanthes kirilowii, potentially focusing on its seed oil or other extracts. Further review of the article is necessary to determine the specific findings and their implications for the supplement's potential benefits.
