Biophytum Dc Extract
Also known as: Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC, Life Plant, Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Biophytum sensitivum
Overview
Biophytum sensitivum, commonly known as the Life Plant or Sensitive Plant, is a tropical plant traditionally used in oriental medicine. It's being explored for its potential immunostimulatory, antitumor, nephroprotective, and antiurolithic effects. The plant contains various bioactive compounds thought to contribute to these medicinal properties. Research is primarily preclinical, consisting of in vitro and in vivo animal studies, with limited human clinical trials. These studies suggest potential mechanisms of action related to tumor metastasis and renal function. However, the quality of evidence is limited, and more robust human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. The plant's extracts are not well-studied regarding absorption, bioavailability, or optimal dosing in humans. Therefore, caution is advised when considering its use as a supplement.
Benefits
Preclinical studies suggest that Biophytum sensitivum may offer several potential benefits. In animal models, it has demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis by regulating matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and other enzymes. Additional preclinical research indicates potential nephroprotective and antiurolithic effects. However, these benefits are primarily supported by in vitro and in vivo studies, and there is a lack of robust human clinical trials to confirm these effects. Therefore, the clinical significance and effect sizes in humans remain uncertain. Further research is needed to determine the specific conditions or populations that may benefit most from Biophytum sensitivum.
How it works
Biophytum sensitivum's mechanism of action is primarily understood through preclinical studies. It appears to affect pathways related to tumor metastasis, including the regulation of MMPs, prolyl hydroxylase, lysyl oxidase, and STAT-1. The plant interacts with the immune system and potentially with renal and urological systems. Known molecular targets include MMP-2, MMP-9, STAT-1, and proinflammatory cytokines. However, the absorption and bioavailability of Biophytum sensitivum extracts in humans are not well-established, limiting a complete understanding of its effects within the human body.
Side effects
Due to the limited data on human safety, the side effects of Biophytum sensitivum are not well documented. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been established through clinical trials. Potential interactions with immunomodulatory drugs or those affecting renal function are speculative and require further investigation. No specific contraindications are currently documented. Caution is advised for pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems due to the lack of comprehensive safety data. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile of Biophytum sensitivum in humans.
Dosage
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to establish minimum effective, optimal, or maximum safe dosages of Biophytum sensitivum for humans. Timing considerations, form-specific recommendations, absorption factors, and required cofactors are also not established. Due to the lack of human studies, it is not possible to provide specific dosing guidelines. Until further research is conducted, caution is advised, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using Biophytum sensitivum.
FAQs
What are the primary uses of Biophytum sensitivum?
Traditionally, it's used for immunostimulatory and antitumor properties. Preclinical studies suggest potential nephroprotective and antiurolithic effects, but human evidence is lacking.
Is Biophytum sensitivum safe?
Safety data are limited. Caution is advised, especially for pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, due to the lack of comprehensive human studies.
How should Biophytum sensitivum be taken?
There are no established guidelines for timing or administration due to the lack of human studies. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
What results can I expect from taking Biophytum sensitivum?
Expected benefits are speculative based on preclinical data. Robust human evidence is needed to confirm any specific health benefits.
Is there strong evidence supporting the health benefits of Biophytum sensitivum?
No, most evidence is from preclinical studies. Human trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for any health condition.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18292594/ – This in vitro and in vivo study investigated the effects of Biophytum sensitivum on tumor metastasis using B16F-10 melanoma cells and metastatic tumor-bearing lungs. The findings suggest that Biophytum sensitivum inhibits tumor cell invasion and metastasis by regulating matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and other enzymes. However, the study is limited by the lack of human data, making it difficult to translate these findings to clinical applications.
- https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/287236508.pdf – This thesis explores the antiurolithic effects of Biophytum sensitivum using various toxicity models. The results suggest potential antiurolithic effects in preclinical models, indicating a possible role in preventing or treating kidney stones. However, the study is limited to preclinical data, and further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/5/985 – This study investigates the protective effects of Biophytum sensitivum against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. The results indicate that Biophytum sensitivum extract significantly reduced liver damage, as evidenced by decreased levels of liver enzymes and improved antioxidant status. This suggests a potential hepatoprotective role for Biophytum sensitivum, warranting further investigation in human studies.
- https://eurekabiomedical.com/index.php/EHI/article/download/76/129/ – This study evaluates the wound-healing activity of Biophytum sensitivum in excision wound models. The results demonstrate that Biophytum sensitivum extract significantly enhanced wound closure and reduced the epithelization period. This suggests that Biophytum sensitivum possesses wound-healing properties, potentially due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- https://japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/4287_pdf.pdf – This research explores the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of Biophytum sensitivum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The findings indicate that Biophytum sensitivum extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved antioxidant status in diabetic rats. This suggests that Biophytum sensitivum may have potential as an antidiabetic agent, possibly through its antioxidant mechanisms.
