Ardisia Root Extract
Also known as: Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC, Ardisia crenata Sims, Ardisia root, coralberry root, Ardisia crispa
Overview
Ardisia root extract is primarily derived from the roots of Ardisia crispa and related species, traditionally utilized in Asian medicine for conditions such as rheumatism. The extract contains bioactive compounds, notably long-chain alkyl-1,4-benzoquinones and bergenin, which are associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-angiogenic, and chemopreventive properties. Research on Ardisia root extract is predominantly preclinical, involving in vitro and animal studies, with a notable absence of comprehensive clinical trial data in humans. The current evidence base is considered moderate, relying heavily on mechanistic and animal studies, and lacks high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to confirm its efficacy and safety in human populations.
Benefits
Ardisia root extract has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. Its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects are suggested by studies showing that hexane fractions of Ardisia crispa roots can inhibit proliferation and angiogenesis in human endothelial cells and fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which are relevant to rheumatoid arthritis pathology. This indicates a potential to reduce joint inflammation and angiogenesis. Additionally, chemopreventive activity has been observed in mouse skin models, where hexane extracts inhibited tumor initiation phases, suggesting potential cancer-preventive properties. Some in vitro studies also indicate antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains, though the clinical relevance of this is currently unclear. It is important to note that these benefits are largely demonstrated in laboratory or animal models, and there are no quantified effect sizes or clinical outcomes available from human populations.
How it works
The anti-arthritic effects of Ardisia root extract are primarily linked to its ability to inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. This occurs by suppressing VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation, and by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which are key cells in arthritic inflammation. The chemopreventive effects are thought to involve the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways during the early stages of carcinogenesis. The active compounds responsible for these effects include benzoquinonoid compounds and bergenin, both of which possess known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the absorption and bioavailability of these compounds in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data and adverse event profiles for Ardisia root extract are currently unavailable due to the lack of clinical trials. While traditional use suggests a degree of tolerability, rigorous scientific assessments of its safety in humans are lacking. Consequently, the potential for drug interactions or contraindications with other medications or health conditions remains unknown. Animal studies conducted so far have not reported significant toxicity at the doses tested, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human safety. Without human clinical data, it is not possible to definitively state the severity, frequency, or specific risk factors associated with its use. Consumers should exercise caution due to this significant gap in safety information.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Ardisia root extract due to the absence of clinical trials. Experimental animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 30 to 300 mg/kg of hexane extract in mice for various research purposes. However, these animal dosages cannot be directly translated to human recommendations. Furthermore, the preparation methods for Ardisia root extract can vary significantly, which directly impacts the concentration and composition of its active compounds, making standardization difficult. Without clinical data, any suggested human dosage would be speculative and potentially unsafe. Therefore, it is not possible to recommend specific timing, different dosages for various purposes, or upper safety limits for human consumption.
FAQs
Is Ardisia root extract clinically proven for arthritis?
No, there are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans proving its efficacy for arthritis. Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies.
Is Ardisia root extract safe for human consumption?
The safety of Ardisia root extract in humans has not been established through clinical trials. While traditional use suggests low toxicity, rigorous clinical data are needed to confirm its safety profile.
How is Ardisia root extract typically administered?
In experimental settings, it is typically used as a root extract. There are no standardized human formulations or dosing recommendations available for its administration.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8235828/ – This in vitro study investigated the anti-arthritic potential of Ardisia crispa root hexane fractions. It found that these fractions inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis and proliferation of human endothelial cells and fibroblast-like synoviocytes, suggesting a mechanism for reducing joint inflammation and angiogenesis relevant to rheumatoid arthritis.
- https://karger.com/mpp/article/22/4/357/203171/Chemopreventive-Effect-of-Ardisia-crispa-Hexane – This animal study, conducted on ICR mice, explored the chemopreventive effects of Ardisia crispa hexane extract. The findings indicated that the extract reduced tumor initiation in a mouse skin carcinogenesis model, suggesting potential cancer-preventive properties by modulating inflammatory and oxidative pathways.
- https://www.pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/download/9887/13777/11826 – This in vitro study assessed the antimicrobial activity of Ardisia crispa extracts. It demonstrated antibacterial effects against various bacterial strains, indicating a potential for antimicrobial applications, though its clinical relevance and efficacy in humans are yet to be determined.
