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Yerba Santa Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Eriodictyon angustifolium Nutt., Eriodictyon californicum, Bear's weed, California yerba santa, Consumptive's weed, Eriodictyon, Gum plant, Mountain balm, Santa herba, Tarweed, Eriodictyon angustifolium

Overview

Yerba santa is a shrub native to North America, known scientifically as Eriodictyon angustifolium and Eriodictyon californicum. Traditionally utilized by Native Americans, its leaves are harvested to create extracts with diverse applications, particularly in treating respiratory ailments and bruising. The plant is renowned for its chemical constituents, including flavonoids such as eriodictyol and sterubin, which are attributed to its therapeutic effects. While its primary uses revolve around respiratory support and anti-inflammatory properties, recent studies have also investigated its potential role in weight management, albeit with limited clinical validation. The evidence supporting these claims mainly stems from traditional practices and preliminary animal studies, signaling a need for more rigorous clinical trials.

Benefits

Research on yerba santa has revealed several potential benefits, particularly in the context of weight management. A randomized controlled trial involving 50 women with a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2 demonstrated that participants taking 400 mg of E. californicum extract twice daily for 12 weeks experienced significant reductions in body weight and body fat, with p-values of 0.042 and 0.044, respectively. Secondary benefits, such as antioxidant properties and possible support for respiratory health, have been suggested; however, much of the supporting evidence remains anecdotal or derived from in vitro studies rather than rigorous clinical trials. Therefore, while there is a notable benefit for obesity management, broader claims on its efficacy should be approached with caution due to insufficient data.

How it works

Yerba santa's biological effects are largely attributed to its flavonoid content, which may exhibit antioxidant activity and potentially mediate interactions with adenosine receptors, especially the A2A receptor. This interaction may influence metabolic processes, including energy metabolism and respiratory function. However, detailed mechanisms and the full spectrum of physiological interactions remain uncertain due to the scarcity of focused human studies and lack of comprehensive bioavailability data.

Side effects

Generally, yerba santa is considered safe for most users; however, comprehensive data on its side effects, especially with long-term use, is limited. No common side effects have been documented, and rare adverse effects also lack reports. Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient safety data, as the effects of the extract during these times have not been established. Currently, there are no well-documented drug interactions associated with yerba santa, but users should always consult healthcare providers when combining supplements.

Dosage

The optimal dosage for yerba santa extract has not been definitively established; however, a recent study indicated that 400 mg of E. californicum extract taken twice daily can yield beneficial effects in weight management. Other forms include tea and capsules, typically consumed alongside meals to enhance absorption, though specific absorption factors remain largely unstudied. It is important to note that the upper limits of safe consumption have yet to be defined, emphasizing the need for individualized consultation with healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen.

FAQs

How is yerba santa commonly consumed?

Yerba santa is traditionally consumed as a tea or in capsule form. Long-term safety and efficacy remain less established, so individual use should be considered carefully.

Are there safety concerns with yerba santa?

Yes, it is advised to avoid yerba santa during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Users should consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.

When should I take yerba santa?

Typically, yerba santa should be taken with meals to optimize absorption and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.

What benefits can I expect from yerba santa?

Potential benefits include support for respiratory health and weight management, although current evidence supporting these claims is limited.

Is it true that yerba santa has broader health effects?

Common misconceptions suggest broad health benefits; however, current evidence primarily supports its use for respiratory issues and obesity management.

Research Sources

https://www.drugs.com/npp/yerba-santa.html – This source outlines the traditional and contemporary applications of yerba santa, emphasizing its historical use among Native American cultures and the phytochemicals responsible for its therapeutic effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34255555/ – A randomized controlled trial highlighting yerba santa's effects on weight management, showing significant reductions in body weight and fat among participants taking the extract over a 12-week period.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-393/yerba-santa – WebMD discusses the uses of yerba santa, its potential health benefits, and safety information, underlining the necessity for further research to validate traditional uses.
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/znc-2020-0116/html?lang=de – The article provides a phytochemical analysis of yerba santa and explores the biological activities attributed to its constituents, albeit with calls for more human studies to affirm these findings.