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Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract

Also known as: Smilax china, Smilax glabra Rhizoma, Chinese Smilax Rhizome, Ba-Qia, Jin-Gang-Teng, Smilax china L.

Overview

Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract is derived from the rhizome of Smilax china L., a plant native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and South Korea. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is valued for its properties that clear heat, detoxify, reduce inflammation, and eliminate dampness. Historically, it has been used to address conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gout, and rheumatoid arthritis, and is also incorporated into detoxification protocols. The extract is rich in various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, steroidal saponins, and polysaccharides, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While there is a growing body of in vitro, in vivo, and some pharmacokinetic research, comprehensive clinical trials, particularly systematic reviews and meta-analyses on its efficacy in humans, are still limited. This extract represents a promising area for further scientific investigation into its traditional uses.

Benefits

Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract shows promising preclinical benefits, though human clinical trial data are limited. It exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, as suggested by systems pharmacology and molecular docking studies. Compounds like isorhamnetin, moracin M, rutin, and oxyresveratrol are believed to target key inflammatory pathways (e.g., PTGS2, MAPK1, TNF, MMP9), potentially reducing inflammation and tissue fibrosis, particularly in conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) [1]. The extract also demonstrates uric acid-lowering properties, with fractions significantly reducing serum uric acid in hyperuricemic mice by inhibiting liver xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), an enzyme crucial for uric acid production, making it relevant for gout treatment [3]. Furthermore, it may play a role in detoxification and pharmacokinetic modulation; co-administration of *Smilax glabra* Rhizoma with methotrexate (MTX) in rats reduced MTX plasma and tissue exposure, indicating potential influence on drug metabolism and clearance pathways [2]. In vitro studies also suggest anti-proliferative effects from its flavonoids and tannins, hinting at potential anti-cancer or anti-fibrotic applications [4]. The strength of evidence for these benefits is primarily preclinical, requiring further human clinical validation.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract are attributed to its diverse array of bioactive compounds. Its anti-inflammatory effects stem from the interaction of compounds like isorhamnetin and rutin with key inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2/COX-2), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP9). This modulation helps regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation [1]. For uric acid reduction, the extract inhibits xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), an enzyme responsible for uric acid synthesis, thereby lowering serum uric acid levels relevant for gout and hyperuricemia management [3]. The extract also appears to influence drug pharmacokinetics, as seen with methotrexate, suggesting it may affect hepatic metabolism or transporter proteins, though the precise mechanisms require further investigation [2]. Additionally, its flavonoids and tannins may exert anti-proliferative effects by inducing apoptosis or arresting cell cycles in certain cell lines [4].

Side effects

Comprehensive clinical safety data for Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract from randomized controlled trials are currently unavailable. While traditional use suggests general tolerability, there is a notable concern regarding potential pharmacokinetic interactions with other medications. Specifically, studies have shown that co-administration with methotrexate (MTX) can significantly alter MTX plasma and tissue concentrations, indicating a potential for herb-drug interactions, particularly with drugs metabolized by similar pathways or transporters [2]. This suggests caution is warranted when combining the extract with other pharmaceuticals, especially immunosuppressants or drugs with narrow therapeutic windows. Although no common or serious adverse effects have been widely reported in the limited reviewed studies, the absence of extensive human clinical trials means that the full spectrum of potential side effects, their severity, and frequency remains largely unknown. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those on multiple medications should exercise particular caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Further clinical research is essential to establish a complete safety profile and identify any specific risk factors or contraindications.

Dosage

Specific and standardized dosing regimens for Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract are not well-established in human clinical trials. Most available data are derived from animal studies and in vitro experiments, which utilize various extract fractions and concentrations. Therefore, human equivalent doses require significant standardization and further research. Due to the observed pharmacokinetic interactions, particularly with drugs like methotrexate, caution is strongly advised when co-administering the extract with any medications, especially those metabolized by liver enzymes or those with a narrow therapeutic index [2]. There are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption based on current research. Until more robust clinical data become available, any use should be approached conservatively, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can assess potential risks and benefits based on individual health status and concomitant medications. Dosage recommendations from traditional practices may exist, but these often lack scientific validation for modern supplement use.

FAQs

Is Chinese Smilax Rhizome Extract effective for inflammation?

Preclinical evidence, including systems pharmacology and molecular docking studies, supports its anti-inflammatory effects by targeting multiple molecular pathways, but human clinical trials are needed for confirmation [1].

Can it lower uric acid?

Yes, animal studies indicate significant uric acid reduction through the inhibition of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), an enzyme involved in uric acid production [3].

Is it safe to use with other medications?

Potential interactions exist, particularly with immunosuppressants like methotrexate, where it has been shown to alter drug concentrations. Consult a healthcare professional before combining with other medications [2].

How quickly do benefits appear?

Most data are from animal and in vitro studies; the clinical time course for benefits in humans is currently unknown and requires further research.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8052137/ – This systems pharmacology and molecular docking study investigated *Smilax china* L. in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) models. It identified 32 compounds targeting 19 inflammatory and immune-related proteins, with molecular dynamics confirming stable binding of key compounds to targets like PTGS2 and TNF, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential. This research provides strong preclinical evidence for its mechanism of action but lacks human clinical trial data.
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/mmr.2017.7559/download – This pharmacokinetic study in rats assessed the interaction between methotrexate (MTX) and *Smilax glabra* Rhizoma. It found a significant reduction in MTX plasma and tissue concentrations when co-administered with the herb, indicating altered drug metabolism or clearance. While the sample size was adequate for an animal study, its direct human relevance requires further investigation.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.971032/pdf – This review summarized animal and in vitro studies on traditional Chinese herbs, including *Smilax china* L., for hyperuricemia and gout. It highlighted that various extract fractions inhibit liver xanthine oxidoreductase activity, leading to lower serum uric acid in hyperuricemic mice. The evidence presented is preclinical, and no randomized controlled trials were included.
https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X17500239 – This in vitro study investigated flavonoids and tannins from *Smilax china* L. rhizome, demonstrating their ability to inhibit cell proliferation. While it suggests potential anti-proliferative properties, the mechanistic details are limited, and there is no corresponding clinical data to support these findings in humans.