Vaccaria Extract
Also known as: Vaccaria extract, Wang-Bu-Liu-Xing, Vaccaria segetalis extract
Overview
Vaccaria segetalis extract is derived from the seeds of the plant Vaccaria segetalis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is known to contain various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, and hypaphorine. This extract is primarily investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anticancer, lactation-promoting, and urinary tract infection-related properties. While its use in traditional medicine is extensive, modern scientific research is still emerging, with most evidence stemming from in vitro and animal studies. The current body of evidence is considered moderate in quality, with some systematic reviews on related pharmacological effects, but a notable absence of large-scale, high-quality human clinical trials. Despite this, the preliminary findings suggest promising therapeutic potential across several health domains.
Benefits
Vaccaria segetalis extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It demonstrates significant anti-angiogenic and anticancer effects by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels, reducing endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and downregulating CD31 expression. This action has shown promise in suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in animal models, with an IC50 of approximately 50 μg/mL for angiogenesis inhibition. The extract also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to hypaphorine, which downregulates inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling in vitro and reduces inflammation in mouse models. Furthermore, polysaccharides from Vaccaria seeds have shown benefits in reducing the adhesion and invasion of uropathogenic E. coli in bladder epithelial cells, suggesting a potential role in preventing urinary tract infections. Additionally, Vaccaria hypaphorine has been observed to impair osteoclastogenesis in rodent models, indicating a potential to reduce bone loss and support bone health. Traditional uses also include promoting lactation and regulating menstruation, though these effects require more rigorous scientific validation.
How it works
Vaccaria segetalis extract exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms involving its diverse bioactive compounds. Its anti-angiogenic activity is primarily achieved by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, potentially through the downregulation of CD31 and related signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by hypaphorine, which modulates NF-κB signaling and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. For urinary tract health, polysaccharides within the extract interfere with bacterial adhesion genes and host cell receptors, such as uroplakins and Toll-like receptors, thereby reducing bacterial invasion. In bone metabolism, the extract, particularly hypaphorine, inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, which leads to reduced bone resorption. Overall, the synergistic action of its polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and cyclic peptides contributes to its observed pharmacological activities.
Side effects
Based on the currently available preclinical research, no significant safety concerns or adverse effects have been reported for Vaccaria segetalis extract. However, it is crucial to note that human safety data are extremely limited. While traditional use suggests a low toxicity profile, rigorous clinical safety data from well-controlled human trials are lacking. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified in the current scientific literature. Specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, have not been extensively studied in clinical trials, and therefore, its safety in these groups remains unconfirmed. Due to the limited human data, caution is advised, and it should not be considered a replacement for conventional medical treatments. Comprehensive safety assessments in human subjects are necessary before widespread clinical application.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Vaccaria segetalis extract due to the absence of human randomized controlled trials. Most dosage information is derived from preclinical studies. For instance, animal studies have utilized doses such as 200 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract administered intraperitoneally in mice to observe anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro studies have shown effective concentrations for angiogenesis inhibition around 50 μg/mL. These preclinical dosages and concentrations cannot be directly extrapolated to human use. The optimal form, timing, and absorption factors for human consumption are yet to be determined. Further research, particularly human clinical trials, is essential to establish safe and effective dosage ranges, identify upper limits, and define safety thresholds for various therapeutic purposes.
FAQs
Is Vaccaria extract safe?
Preclinical data suggest a favorable safety profile, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and identify any potential side effects or interactions in humans.
What conditions might it help?
Based on preclinical evidence, it shows potential for cancer-related angiogenesis, inflammation, urinary tract infections, and bone loss. Human efficacy needs further research.
How quickly do effects appear?
Animal studies indicate effects within days to weeks, but the timeline for observable effects in humans is currently unknown and requires clinical investigation.
Is it a replacement for conventional therapy?
No, current evidence supports its use as an adjunctive or investigational agent only. It should not replace established medical treatments.
Research Sources
- https://sciendo.com/article/10.5372/1905-7415.0605.108 – This preclinical study investigated Vaccaria segetalis extract's anti-angiogenic and anticancer effects using in vitro human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and in vivo Lewis lung carcinoma mouse models. It found that the extract inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, and suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice, suggesting its potential as an anti-tumor agent.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8117358/ – This research focused on hypaphorine, a compound from Vaccaria segetalis, and its anti-inflammatory properties. Using in vitro cell lines and mouse inflammation models, the study demonstrated that hypaphorine significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines and modulated NF-κB signaling, leading to decreased edema and capillary permeability, highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9727262/ – This preclinical study explored the role of polysaccharides from Vaccaria segetalis seeds in preventing urinary tract infections. It showed that these polysaccharides effectively reduced the adhesion and invasion of uropathogenic E. coli in bladder epithelial cells, suggesting a novel mechanism for preventing bacterial infections by interfering with bacterial attachment.
- https://academic.oup.com/jbmr/article/38/1/198/7500033 – This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence from rodent models of LPS-induced bone loss, focusing on Vaccaria hypaphorine. The review concluded that hypaphorine impairs osteoclastogenesis, the process of bone resorption, indicating its potential to mitigate bone loss and suggesting a therapeutic role in bone-related disorders.
