Chiococca Alba Extract
Also known as: Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc., Common snowberry, Milkberry, Chiococca alba
Overview
Chiococca alba, also known as Common Snowberry or Milkberry, is a tropical shrub indigenous to the Americas. Traditionally, it has been utilized in folk medicine, particularly in Brazil, for the treatment of rheumatic disorders and other therapeutic applications. Extracts are typically derived from the roots or the entire plant using solvents such as ethanol or methanol. These extracts contain various bioactive compounds, identified through GC-MS analysis, some of which have demonstrated potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Research into *C. alba* extract is still in its early stages, with a limited number of high-quality clinical trials. The majority of existing data originates from preclinical toxicology studies and in vitro antiviral assays. Currently, there are no systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on *Chiococca alba* extract, indicating that it is a nascent field of research.
Benefits
Research on *Chiococca alba* extract is primarily preclinical, showing promising, but not yet clinically proven, benefits: - **Antiviral Activity (In Vitro):** Methanolic extracts from *C. alba* roots have shown significant inhibition of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) replication in laboratory settings. Studies demonstrated over 70% plaque reduction at a concentration of 60 μg/mL and 47% reduction at 40 μg/mL, suggesting potential antiviral effects against alphaviruses. This evidence is strong for in vitro conditions but requires human clinical trials for validation. - **Traditional Uses:** Historically, *C. alba* has been used in traditional medicine for rheumatic disorders. However, there is currently no rigorous clinical evidence to support its efficacy for this indication. - **Low Acute and Subacute Toxicity (Preclinical):** Oral administration of *C. alba* extract in mice has shown low acute and subacute toxicity, with no mutagenic effects observed in Salmonella assays. This suggests a relatively safe profile at certain oral doses in animal models, providing a foundation for further safety research.
How it works
The precise mechanisms of action for *Chiococca alba* extract are still being investigated. Its potential antiviral activity is hypothesized to involve compounds that interact with viral nsP2 protease, a crucial enzyme for viral replication, as suggested by in silico docking studies. This interaction may disrupt the viral life cycle, thereby inhibiting replication. The extract's bioactive molecules are believed to modulate various viral replication pathways, though the specific molecular targets and pathways require further elucidation. Currently, there is no available data on the absorption or bioavailability of *C. alba* extract in biological systems.
Side effects
The safety profile of *Chiococca alba* extract is primarily based on preclinical animal studies, and human safety data is limited. Oral administration of ethanolic extract in mice has shown low toxicity at doses up to 2000 mg/kg, with no mutagenicity detected. However, some side effects have been observed: - **Common Side Effects (High Doses in Mice):** At high oral doses, mice exhibited hypoactivity and reduced locomotion. - **Uncommon/Rare Side Effects (Parenteral Administration):** Toxicity significantly increased with intraperitoneal (i.p.) and subcutaneous administration. Doses of 125 mg/kg i.p. or higher led to adverse effects including anemia, neutrophilia, lethargy, and even mortality. This indicates that the route of administration significantly impacts toxicity. **Drug Interactions and Contraindications:** There is currently no data available regarding drug interactions or contraindications for *Chiococca alba* extract. Due to the limited human safety data, caution is strongly advised. Specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions, should avoid use until more comprehensive safety data is established.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for *Chiococca alba* extract due to the absence of clinical trials. All available dosage information is derived from preclinical animal studies and in vitro experiments. - **Animal Studies (Oral):** In mice, oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg were tolerated without mortality, suggesting a relatively low oral toxicity threshold in this model. However, it's crucial to note that parenteral (e.g., intraperitoneal) doses of 125 mg/kg or higher caused significant toxicity and mortality. - **In Vitro Antiviral Activity:** For in vitro antiviral effects, extract concentrations of 40–60 μg/mL were effective in inhibiting viral replication. Given the lack of human data, any use of *Chiococca alba* extract should be approached with extreme caution, and self-dosing is not recommended. The significant difference in toxicity between oral and parenteral routes in animals highlights the importance of understanding absorption and metabolism, which are currently unknown for humans.
FAQs
Is Chiococca alba extract safe for human use?
Preclinical data in animals suggest low oral toxicity, but human safety and efficacy remain unproven. There are no clinical trials to confirm its safety or effectiveness in humans.
Does it have clinically proven antiviral effects?
Only in vitro antiviral activity against chikungunya and Mayaro viruses has been demonstrated in laboratory settings. No clinical trials have confirmed these effects in humans.
Can it be used for rheumatic disorders?
While *Chiococca alba* has a history of traditional use for rheumatic disorders, there is currently no rigorous clinical evidence to support its efficacy for this purpose.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16298096/ – This preclinical toxicology study evaluated the ethanolic extract of *C. alba* roots in mice. It found that oral administration showed low toxicity and no mutagenic effects, while parenteral routes (intraperitoneal, subcutaneous) resulted in increased toxicity and mortality at lower doses, highlighting route-dependent safety profiles.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11546558/ – This in vitro study investigated the antiviral potential of *C. alba* extracts against chikungunya and Mayaro viruses. It demonstrated significant inhibition of viral replication in cell cultures and suggested a potential mechanism involving interaction with viral nsP2 protease through in silico docking studies.
