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Anemarrhena Extract

Also known as: Anemarrhena Extract, Zhimu, Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Overview

Anemarrhena asphodeloides, commonly known as Anemarrhena Extract or Zhimu, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a history of over two millennia. It is primarily used for lung inflammatory disorders and various other conditions. The extract is derived from the rhizomes of the plant and is rich in bioactive steroidal saponins, with Timosaponin A-III being the most notable active component. Research indicates its potential for anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects. However, most of the current evidence is derived from preclinical studies, including animal models and in vitro experiments, with a limited number of high-quality human randomized controlled trials available. It is categorized as a herbal extract and a traditional Chinese medicinal plant-derived supplement.

Benefits

Anemarrhena Extract, particularly its active compound Timosaponin A-III, has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. Its most robust evidence lies in its anti-inflammatory properties, where oral administration of the extract and saponin-enriched fractions significantly inhibited lung inflammation in LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse models, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine markers. This suggests potential for conditions involving acute inflammation. For anti-osteoporosis, studies in ovariectomized mice showed that Anemarrhena asphodeloides, when combined with other herbs, could synergistically reduce bone resorption and alleviate osteoporosis by modulating ferroptosis pathways. Furthermore, Timosaponin A-III exhibits promising anti-cancer effects across various cancer cell lines and animal models, particularly in hepatocellular and breast cancer, by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. While these findings are encouraging, they are largely based on animal and in vitro studies, and high-quality human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and establish their clinical relevance.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Anemarrhena Extract is attributed to its major bioactive compound, Timosaponin A-III. This compound modulates multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways within the body. Its anti-inflammatory effects are primarily achieved through the suppression of NF-κB signaling, a key pathway involved in inflammatory responses, leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of inflammatory cell infiltration, particularly in lung tissue. For its anti-osteoporosis effects, Timosaponin A-III is linked to the activation of the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 antioxidant pathway and the suppression of ferroptosis-related proteins such as ACSL4 and TFRC/ferritin, which are involved in bone resorption. In its anti-cancer actions, Timosaponin A-III influences pathways related to apoptosis induction and the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, often by targeting regulators like mTOR, COX-2, VEGFR, and XIAP. However, concerns regarding the bioavailability and potential hepatotoxicity of Timosaponin A-III necessitate further pharmacokinetic studies.

Side effects

While Anemarrhena Extract is generally considered safe in traditional use, there are safety concerns, particularly regarding its active component, Timosaponin A-III. Hepatotoxicity has been reported in animal studies, indicating a need for caution and further comprehensive toxicological evaluations before human use. Although no significant adverse effects were reported in animal models of lung inflammation at tested doses, the long-term safety profile in humans remains largely uncharacterized. Drug interactions and contraindications are not well-established, therefore, caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing liver impairment or those concurrently taking hepatotoxic medications. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of safety data for special populations, including pregnant and lactating women, and children, meaning its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Comprehensive safety assessments, including human clinical trials, are crucial to fully understand the potential risks and interactions of Anemarrhena Extract.

Dosage

Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, specific dosing guidelines for Anemarrhena Extract in humans are not yet established. Preclinical animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 10 to 200 mg/kg of the extract or saponin-enriched fractions administered orally. However, these animal doses cannot be directly extrapolated to humans without proper clinical validation. The optimal human dosage, frequency of administration, and most effective formulation remain unknown. Furthermore, the bioavailability of saponins, including Timosaponin A-III, can be poor, suggesting that strategies to enhance absorption may be necessary for therapeutic efficacy. Until robust human clinical data becomes available, any use of Anemarrhena Extract should be approached with caution, and it is not recommended for self-medication.

FAQs

Is Anemarrhena Extract safe?

While traditionally used, potential hepatotoxicity of its active compound, Timosaponin A-III, has been reported in animal studies. Human safety data is limited, so caution is advised.

What conditions can it help?

Preclinical studies suggest potential benefits for lung inflammation and osteoporosis. Anti-cancer effects are promising but require clinical confirmation.

How fast do effects appear?

Animal studies show effects within days to weeks. However, human data is unavailable, so the onset of effects in humans is unknown.

Can it be combined with other herbs?

Synergistic effects have been observed when combined with other traditional herbs for osteoporosis in animal models. However, potential interactions with other herbs or medications are not well-characterized.

Research Sources

  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6254648/ – This animal study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides extract and its saponin fractions in mice with LPS-induced acute lung injury. It found that both the alcoholic extract and saponin-enriched fractions significantly reduced lung inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with Timosaponin A-III being effective at 25-50 mg/kg. The study provides high-quality preclinical evidence for its anti-inflammatory potential.
  • https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1378634/full – This animal study explored the effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides combined with other herbs on osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice. It demonstrated that the herbal combination reduced bone resorption and alleviated osteoporosis by modulating ferroptosis pathways, specifically activating antioxidant pathways and suppressing ferroptosis-related proteins. The research offers good mechanistic insight into its anti-osteoporosis potential, though it involves combination therapy.
  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7283383/ – This systematic review synthesizes the pharmacological activities of Timosaponin A-III, the main active compound in Anemarrhena asphodeloides. It summarizes various effects, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, but also highlights concerns regarding its hepatotoxicity and gaps in pharmacokinetic understanding. The review provides a comprehensive overview of preclinical findings and identifies critical areas for future research.