Chinese Amomum Extract
Also known as: Chinese Amomum Extract, Sha Ren, Amomum fruit extract, Amomum kravanh extract, Amomum villosum extract
Overview
Chinese Amomum Extract is derived from the dried ripe fruits of *Amomum* species, primarily *Amomum villosum* and *Amomum kravanh*, native to China and Southeast Asia. It is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily used to address digestive health issues. The extract contains volatile oils, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive stimulant properties. Traditionally, it's employed to treat digestive disorders such as indigestion, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea, often as a component of multi-herbal formulations targeting gastrointestinal and inflammatory conditions. Research on Amomum extract is considered to be at a moderate level, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses available, although most studies examine it within the context of Chinese herbal formulas rather than as an isolated ingredient. The quality of evidence is emerging, but often constrained by small sample sizes and methodological limitations.
Benefits
Chinese Amomum Extract, particularly when used in conjunction with other herbs, has demonstrated potential benefits for certain gastrointestinal conditions. Meta-analyses of Chinese herbal medicines containing Amomum have shown significant improvements in ulcerative colitis treatment, with a reported odds ratio (OR) of 0.22 (95% CI: 0.13–0.37), indicating a notable effect compared to control treatments. Additionally, in cases of functional dyspepsia, therapies incorporating Amomum (as part of Jianpi Liqi therapy) have shown a standardized mean difference (SMD) improvement in fatigue symptoms of −0.76 (95% CI −1.01 to −0.51), suggesting a moderate benefit. Secondary effects, such as potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, have been observed when used adjunctively in conditions like mild/moderate COVID-19 and breast cancer chemotherapy support, although these findings are based on multi-herbal formulas where Amomum is just one component. These benefits have been primarily studied in adult patients with gastrointestinal disorders and as adjunctive therapy in cancer and infectious diseases, particularly within Chinese populations. The effect sizes observed in meta-analyses suggest clinically relevant improvements in symptoms and disease activity indices, although the quality of evidence varies from low to moderate.
How it works
Chinese Amomum Extract exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by modulating cytokines and immune cell activity. Additionally, it demonstrates antimicrobial effects against gastrointestinal pathogens. The extract is also believed to enhance digestive enzyme secretion and gastrointestinal motility. Its action primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. Molecularly, it likely involves the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the modulation of gut microbiota. However, the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. The extract contains volatile oils and flavonoids, which contribute to its moderate oral bioavailability, although the exact pharmacokinetics are not yet fully characterized.
Side effects
Chinese Amomum Extract is generally considered safe when used in traditional doses as part of herbal formulas. Common side effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most frequently reported. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of cases, may include transient diarrhea or loose stools. Serious adverse events are rare, with no significant issues reported in high-quality RCTs. While well-documented drug interactions are lacking, caution is advised when combining Amomum extract with anticoagulants or immunosuppressants due to potential additive effects. Due to limited data, it should be avoided in patients with known allergies to plants in the Zingiberaceae family. The safety of Amomum extract during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, warranting caution in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of isolated Chinese Amomum Extract is not well-defined, as traditional formulas vary. Clinical trials typically use doses that reflect traditional herbal decoction amounts standardized to contain Amomum fruit equivalent. Specific extract doses are not standardized. There is no established maximum safe dose, but traditional use suggests safety within customary dosing. It is usually administered orally with meals to aid digestion. In TCM clinical trials, decoctions, granules, or oral liquids are commonly used. Fatty meals may enhance the absorption of volatile oils. It is often combined with other herbs for synergistic effects.
FAQs
Is Chinese Amomum Extract safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data is limited, but traditional use suggests it is safe. Clinical monitoring is still advised.
Can it be used alone or only in combination?
Most evidence supports its use as part of multi-herbal formulas rather than as an isolated extract.
How quickly can benefits be expected?
Symptom improvement is often observed within weeks of treatment.
Does it interact with conventional medications?
No major interactions are documented, but caution is advised with anticoagulants and immunomodulators.
Is it effective for all digestive disorders?
Evidence is strongest for ulcerative colitis and functional dyspepsia; other uses are less studied.
Research Sources
- https://m.x-mol.net/paper/detail/1255937544362549248 – This systematic review and meta-analysis included 7 RCTs and found that Chinese herbal medicine containing Amomum significantly improved ulcerative colitis outcomes (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13–0.37, p < 0.05). The authors noted limitations including heterogeneity of herbal formulas and moderate sample sizes, and assessed the quality of evidence as moderate.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.988237/full – This systematic review examined multiple RCTs that included Amomum-containing formulas for mild/moderate COVID-19, showing safety and efficacy in symptom relief and immune modulation. The methodology was rigorous with bias risk assessment, but the specific contribution of Amomum is unclear due to the use of multi-herb formulas.
- https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2019/08160/efficacy_of_jianpi_liqi_therapy_for_functional.7.aspx – This meta-analysis analyzed 14 RCTs (mostly in Chinese populations) and showed moderate improvement in fatigue and dyspepsia symptoms (SMD −0.76, 95% CI −1.01 to −0.51, p < 0.00001) with Jianpi Liqi therapy, which includes Amomum. The evidence quality was rated low due to small sample sizes and study design limitations, but adverse events were minimal.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/9469276 – This study investigates the protective effects of Amomum villosum Lour. against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injury. The results suggest that A. villosum may offer protection by modulating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the small intestine.
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