Viburnum opulus
Also known as: European cranberrybush, guelder rose, Viburnum opulus L., Viburnum opulus
Overview
Viburnum opulus, commonly known as European cranberrybush or guelder rose, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has a long history of traditional use in folk medicine for various ailments, including menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and inflammatory conditions. The plant's pharmacological properties are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, vitamin C, carotenoids, and essential oils. While preclinical research, including in vitro and animal studies, suggests promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews specifically on its clinical efficacy are limited. It is primarily recognized for its potential to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation.
Benefits
Viburnum opulus exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Strong antioxidant activity has been observed in extracts from fruits, leaves, and bark, demonstrated by increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in animal models. This antioxidant effect contributes to its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, showing protection against oxidative stress-induced tissue damage, such as gastrointestinal mucosal protection and lung tissue preservation during ischemia-reperfusion injury in animal studies. Traditionally, it has been used for menstrual disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, diarrhea, swelling, and kidney cramps, though clinical evidence for these specific indications is largely anecdotal or from ethnopharmacological surveys. While related to cranberry species, direct evidence for its efficacy in urinary tract health is limited and mostly extrapolated from cranberry research.
How it works
The primary mechanisms of action for Viburnum opulus involve its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic acids and flavonoids, enhance the body's enzymatic antioxidant defenses, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while also directly scavenging free radicals. This modulation of oxidative stress helps to reduce cellular damage and inflammation. Some iridoids and flavonoid glycosides present in the plant may also contribute to its effects, potentially by inhibiting enzymes like alpha-glucosidase, which could suggest metabolic benefits. While the exact absorption and bioavailability in humans are not extensively studied, phenolic compounds generally exhibit moderate bioavailability and undergo significant metabolism within the body.
Side effects
Viburnum opulus generally appears to have a favorable safety profile based on available preclinical data. Acute and subacute toxicity studies in animals have not shown significant toxicity at typical doses, although very high doses may potentially affect kidney, liver, and adipose tissue. In humans, there are no well-documented adverse effects or drug interactions reported in the scientific literature. However, it is crucial to note that human safety data, especially from rigorous clinical trials, are very limited. The safety of Viburnum opulus during pregnancy, lactation, and in children has not been well established, and its use in these populations should be approached with caution or avoided. While traditional use has not reported significant side effects, the lack of comprehensive human studies means that potential risks, especially with long-term use or in sensitive individuals, cannot be fully ruled out. Individuals with pre-existing kidney, liver, or adipose tissue conditions should exercise caution.
Dosage
Due to the limited number of high-quality human randomized controlled trials, there are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Viburnum opulus. Animal studies investigating its antioxidant effects have utilized proanthocyanidin-rich extracts at doses ranging from 25 to 75 mg/kg body weight. However, these dosages cannot be directly translated to humans without further research. Traditional preparations vary widely, and there is a significant lack of standardized extracts with defined active compound concentrations, making consistent dosing challenging. Without robust human dose-response data, it is difficult to recommend specific dosages for different purposes or to establish upper limits and safety thresholds. Individuals interested in using Viburnum opulus should consult with a healthcare professional, especially given the absence of clear clinical guidelines and the need for more research on its efficacy and safety in humans.
FAQs
Is Viburnum opulus effective for menstrual pain?
Traditional use suggests it may help with menstrual pain, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials to scientifically confirm its efficacy for this specific indication.
Is it safe to use Viburnum opulus long-term?
Limited animal toxicity data suggest safety at moderate doses, but human long-term safety has not been well studied, so caution is advised for extended use.
Can Viburnum opulus replace cranberry for urinary tract health?
Evidence specific to Viburnum opulus for urinary tract health is insufficient. Cranberry species have more robust scientific data supporting their use for this purpose.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7694363/ – This animal study investigated proanthocyanidins from V. opulus fruits in rats with gastrointestinal mucosal damage. Oral doses increased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) and reduced oxidative stress markers, demonstrating protective effects. The study highlights the antioxidant potential but is limited by being an animal model.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7694363/ – Another animal study within the same publication examined V. opulus dried fruit extract in rats undergoing lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Treatment restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced oxidative damage in lung tissue, suggesting therapeutic potential against oxidative stress in transplantation contexts. This also represents preclinical evidence.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.751207/full – This source, likely a review or systematic review, discusses herbal medicines for menstrual disorders, including Viburnum species. It acknowledges traditional use but critically points out the lack of rigorous randomized controlled trials and standardized extracts, emphasizing the need for more clinical research to validate efficacy and safety.
- https://consensus.app/questions/cranberry-supplement-safety/ – This source likely discusses the safety of cranberry supplements. While not directly about V. opulus, it provides context for the comparison of V. opulus to cranberry for urinary tract benefits, highlighting that cranberry has more robust safety and efficacy data in this area.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8310452/ – This article likely discusses the bioactive compounds and potential mechanisms of action of V. opulus. It may detail the role of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and iridoids in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, providing a basis for the observed preclinical effects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1539665/full – This source likely contributes to the understanding of the chemical composition and potential health benefits of V. opulus, possibly detailing its antioxidant capacity and other pharmacological properties based on in vitro or in vivo studies.
- https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/whm_abc_final.pdf – This document, likely from a health authority, may provide general information on herbal medicines or specific guidance on V. opulus, potentially touching upon its traditional uses and the current state of evidence for its health claims.
